Birthday Party, Itch Update and Bike Riding

Family Gathering
All my kids (Anne, Paul, Kathy, and Andy) were at Kathy’s on Saturday for my birthday. It was such a surprise to have Anne fly up from Maryland just to be here. Some of the grandkids were there: Jonathan, Jessica and Jimaine. Grandsons Joe (working), Jacob and Andrew (couldn’t come up because their mom came by plane) were unable to attend. We had BBQ ribs and cheeseburgers and hot dogs. Instead of birthday cake we had individual shortcakes with fresh strawberries and blueberries topped with whipped cream. I was in heaven!

The Itch Update
James (Jess’ boyfriend) looked at the rash on my arms and proclaimed it poison ivy. Everyone agreed with him. I’m not convinced, but they may be right. It’s been fifty years since I had poison ivy so I’m not sure what it looks like on my body. Right or wrong, the tea tree oil cream I got at the Parkade Health Store in Manchester is helping somewhat. However, it seems like every day a new itchy, red spot pops up somewhere. I’m ready for something heavy duty to stop the itch, stop the spread and make what’s there go away. Almost two weeks already. Enough!

Bike Riding
On Sunday, Kathy and I went for a short ride. We haven’t ridden together in ages and it felt so good. Today, Monday I did a bicycle meander on the canal path with Bonnie. You have to understand that when Bonnie and I ride our average speed is 6 mph. When I ride alone or with Kathy average speed is more like 10 to 12 mph. But, Bonnie and I stop to look at and take pictures of trees, flowers, the river, the island, the geese and anything else that strikes our fancy.

So, today being Monday, it’s the end of the Memorial Day weekend. I hope everyone had the opportunity to stop for a moment and give Thanks to those who served and lost their lives in that service. Their families deserve a debt of gratitude, too. God Bless all of them.

Update on the Itchy Rash

The cause of my itchy red welts may have been found. Elaine, who reads my blog from time to time sent me this link http://cbs2chicago.com/local/mites.oak.leaf.2.339232.html.

Here's another link http://hyg.aces.uiuc.edu/secure/subscribers/200716e.html

It may be the oak leaf gall itch mite. It seems others have the same problem out Chicago way, but that was as far back as a year ago. It seems these little suckers can travel very quickly on the wind and are probably here by now. It seems that tea tree oil cut half and half with mineral oil is one preferred treatment. Anything to stop the itch!

This Spring’s Allergies are Bad

Photos
Both photos are of one maple tree in my yard. Look at all those seeds (helicopters).


What you see in the photos is a third of what was there two days ago—before the wind started blowing. At times it looks like it’s snowing. I cannot remember seeing maple trees everywhere with such a bumper crop of seeds. My driveway, lawn, steps, deck, patio are covered with these things and you can’t sweep them away. They stick.

I have heard and observed first hand that other tree pollens are in heavy abundance. My observation starts with how my eyes feel. They are not itchy as they were when I had the fall seasonal allergies. This year my eyes feel gritty, dry and puffy.

Then—my extremities. I woke up one morning with what looked like spider bites on my right wrist. On closer examination, there was not the characteristic “two punctures” that would indicate a spider. Whatever it was, it itched like crazy. By the next day, my left arm was covered with a rash and the itch…the itch was enough to drive me crazy. Interesting itch. Scratching (and lots of it) would cause it to stop itching for hours before it flared up again. The next day, both thighs started getting itchy bumps—not a rash, but bumps. I’m well aware of the danger of scratching and infection so please spare me the motherly advice. I am using a cortisone ointment.

I know it’s not a poison plant contact dermatitis. I haven’t been in contact with anything and I’m not allergic to poison ivy. This is different. I suspect it’s because I have been line drying my clothes outside (including sheets). For the next two weeks I’ll use the dryer. I have one set of sheets on the shelf right now that was dried outside and I will re-wash them and use dryer. I also have to vacuum my bedroom rug, furniture and windows thoroughly. I leave my windows open so my room must be loaded with pollen.

Anyone have similar observations? Different observations?

Bike Fit - II

Photo
I call this photo Yellow Bike. It's not my bike but I do love the original way to retire an old bike. I'm at least making an effort to match photo to subject. I posted the same photo before. I like it.

Problems with specs
I told you about my “bike fit” back on May 5th. What I didn’t tell you was I had to take my bike to my bike shop in order to get the changes made with new parts installed at proper heights and angles.

Apparently I am the first person to bring in exact specifications along with drawings to this particular shop, and it took the owner by surprise. So much so, that I detected a bit of chauvinism in his attitude. He assured me that the manufacturer of my bike has a chart to fit the bike to the rider. He really didn’t get it that the chart was a standard approximation and had not much to do with how I sit on a bike and ride. He did not want to accept that a woman of all people had scientifically fit my bike to me. I left the bike there anyway.

To make a long story short, I heard from the head mechanic today and he said the wrong parts came in. He also said that he took more time to study the specs and he says he can give me the spec’s requirements for less money than the indicated parts on the specs.

Save money? OK. I’m up for that as long as the specifications for height and angle are met. He assures me they will be.

I will pick my bike up tomorrow in order to be able to ride while I’m waiting for the right parts to arrive. Hopefully the parts will be in by next Wednesday. In the meantime, I’ll be able to ride.

I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. Stay tuned.

A Very Special Day!

Photos:
Top center: My Mother
Bottom left: Jess and James arrive
Bottom right: Kathy and Lou arrive

I hope everyone had a Happy Mother’s Day yesterday.

My Mother and I had a day made special by Jess and James coming over as well as Kathy and Lou. We were gifted with flowers (tulips), candy (peanut butter cups and kisses), brunch (James cooked and Jess cleaned up), and Kathy mowed the lawn!

Then I got phone calls from the kids who weren’t here.

We toasted our mothers with delicious mimosas before digging into James’ famous Eggs Benedict—his Hollandaise sauce has a secret ingredient, which makes it scrumptious. In no time the kitchen was spotless and we were able to sit for a while and enjoy each other’s company.

I’ll say it was a very special day!

Magic Intent

Photos:
Top left: Jon came to hear more of my poetry and be supportive of what JJ is doing at Magic Intent.
Top right: Early arrivals. Behind the seated couple is a carriage with a wonderful, beautiful baby who also enjoyed the evening.
Bottom right: That's me - reading.

Let the Magic begin
Last night I read my poetry at Magic Intent at …46 Union Street in Vernon-Rockville. The shop, owned by J.J. LANCEY is … right across the street from Rockville Hospital and next door to the Rockville Library. They carry unique gifts for the body and soul including bath products, candles, oils, feng shui corrections, jewelry, fairies and dragons, incense, and fountains. J.J. can be reached at (860) 871-0000. (copied and pasted directly from the The Door Opener CT Happenings on line. It was easier than retyping the whole thing myself.) Every Friday from 7 to 8 p.m., JJ offers a free event with someone giving a talk, demonstration, or poetry reading.

Because it was raining we were inside, but in nice weather, JJ has a space out back and I hope I’m invited back to read my poetry outside in the garden. The space isn’t big, but those in attendance filled it nicely, and their appreciation was huge.

If you are interested in who is on tap for the remaining Fridays in May, contact JJ. Eventually her schedule will be in the Calendar section on ConsciousCT.

Make a Joyful Noise!

Photos: Both are of the Scantic River at flood. The sound of the water racing over the rapids is powerful. I look at those pictures and must admit that's how I feel sometimes when I'm planning a new adventure—just all tumbling, frothy, bubbling, roaring water.

Live every day
Every day I get an email inspirational message from Neale Donald Walsch (author of Conversations With God). I don’t know why I get these messages. Someone must have signed me up and I’m forever grateful. Today’s message had to do with approaching everything you do in life with enthusiasm and joy.

I must admit I have always approached life like that. My poor friends and family. If I have plans for anything, everyone within earshot of me knows what I’m up to (hence the title of my blog). I am not able to contain my excitement. And, of course, I am of the opinion that what I’m doing, or planning to do, is so much more interesting than what you are doing. Why? Because, by my standards, if you were doing something grand and glorious you would be talking it up. Yes, I guess at times I can be insufferable, but no one has shut me up…yet! ☺☺☺

Bike Fit

Photo: The "frog bridge" in Willimantic over the Willimantic River.

I went all the way out to Thomaston (38 miles) to have my bike adjusted to fit my body and riding style. Robin adjusted my saddle height downward (to my surprise), reset my handlebars down and away from me (more surprise) and I immediately felt the comfortable difference. One of the reasons my hands keep getting numb is the way I was holding the handlebars – wrists down. Now my arms and wrists are straight. Relieves a lot of strain! I was really amazed at the adjustments she made.

All this is being done in the name of a better, more relaxed ride in September.

When I left her place I took a wrong turn and instead of picking up Route 6 East, I wound up on Route 262 South and picked up I-84 just west of Waterbury. I wasn’t lost. I knew I was still in Connecticut—I just didn’t know exactly where. Once I hit I-84 I was fine. Call it one more adventure.

Robin is not just proficient at what she does, she’s an interesting person to be around. She has done some pretty long bike tours and is passionate about bike riding. She lives on the top of a long steep hill and she rides her bike up that thing loaded with groceries! All I can do is shake my head in wonder. I would never be able to do it. The hills coming up to my house pale by comparison and I won’t ride them, either! ☺

Dickenson Creek Hike

Photos
Top Left: Dickenson Creek meets the Salmon River.
Top Right: At the bottom of the Lyman Viaduct where Dickenson Creek flows.
Bottom Left: Beautiful stone wall.
Bottom Right: Garter snake.

What started out as a chilly, murky day ended up sunny, warm and exhilarating. I joined a group of about 25 people hiking with the Colchester Land Trust along Dickenson Creek. Our trek took us from Comstock Bridge Road to the base of the Lyman Viaduct and back. This was not a walk along established paths. We bushwhacked along the paths worn by fishermen.

Along the way we saw where Dickenson Creek met the Salmon River; where Dickenson Creek flowed through huge conduits under Lyman Viaduct; cool shady places covered with moss along a creek that sang it’s heart out for us; a beautifully built stone wall; and a garter snake.

There was one challenging hill, and as luck would have it, there was a path of least resistance for those who didn’t want to be challenged. We had a few people who were not up to the challenge, so I volunteered to wait for them and show them around the base of the hill and meet up with the main group on the other side. Someone had to do it! ☺☺☺

Other than the challenging hill, there were several wet spots we had to jump or use stepping stones to cross. In one case someone chose to just slog through the mud – that someone was not me! All in all, it was a pleasant walk just under two hours.

The Colchester Land Trust sponsors a hike the first Sunday of every month. June’s hike will be on Saturday June 7th to correspond with National Trails Day. Hikers will gather at the commuter parking lot on Route 149 at Route 2 for a bus ride back to the Bull Hill Road parking lot on the Air Line Trail. From there we will probably hike back to the Lyman Viaduct, turn around and hike back to the parking lot where our cars are parked. All in all that will be a 4.5-mile hike (I’ve been on this one before with my pedometer) on a good hard-packed stone dust surface. An historian will come along on this hike and gives us a lot of information about the old rail line. It has a fascinating history. See you there!

Wood Memorial Library Featured Poets

Photos: Dolores Lawler is on the left and that's me on the right.

Last night (May 1st) Dolores Lawler and I were the featured poets at the well attended Wood Memorial Library’s Spoken Word Series.

I had never featured before so it was a quite a rush. Dolores has been writing and reading poetry longer than I have and she does a lot with form and style. Her poetry is a mix of free verse, and structured form, such as Sonnets, Pantoums, and Sestinas.

I chose the theme of a blushing bride and read selections according to Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue, followed by a bunch of other stuff. As you can see, I know nothing about form or style. I would say my poetry is free form.

A short break followed our readings giving way to open mic and ending with a sumptuous repast of fruit, cheese and crackers and some yummy sweet pastries. Did I mention the wine?

This was the last in the series for this season. We will resume on the first Thursday in September.

A big Thank You needs to go out to John Wadhams and the Wood Memorial Library for sponsoring the Spoken Word Series. A Thank You also need to go to Colin Haskins for starting the whole thing and Stephanie Elliott for doing all the work Colin takes credit for! ☺☺☺

BUT a Spoken Word Series would be nothing but empty space and silence if it weren’t for the poets. Thanks to all of them for keeping this series and all other poetry reading events alive and well.