tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80812543309070086042024-03-13T08:04:55.563-05:00Twists and LeaningsMy wanderings and ponderings with a little kitsch thrown in for good measure.Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.comBlogger240125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-3459959549821300362014-11-17T21:34:00.000-06:002014-11-17T21:34:07.558-06:00First Snow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-27945214960598680682014-11-11T12:22:00.001-06:002014-11-11T12:24:31.232-06:00Everywhere SkyIf ever there was a doubt as to my being a flatlander by birth let it be put to rest.<br />
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This is the view from the window of the bedroom I called my own while growing up in Mid-Michigan. There are a few less trees and the wind turbines are a recent addition, but this was/is home.<br />
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The big news while we were there was Dad's sugarbeets were harvested.<br />
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Farming has changed much in during my sixty plus years on the planet.<br />
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Of course, I never need an excuse to go back to Michigan and visit my Dad. Still, this time we did have one. Some folks came up with an idea for a 5K timed obstacle event utilizing agricultural themes for the obstacles. I thought it a great idea and wanted to see it. Heather toyed with the idea of running in the event, but decided she'd rather observe this year and if there is a next maybe give it a go then.<br />
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It was a whirlwind trip. We arrived late Thursday evening. Friday we scouted out the venue for the race. This is what the weather was doing when we got there. None of the snow stuck. Heather was not regretting her decision not to run.<br />
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We spent the rest of Friday driving around. I had the idea of taking a photo of the great mounds of sugarbeets waiting their trip to the processing plant. I forgot they just look like giant piles of dirt. Impressive? Yes, in a way. Photogenic? Not in the least. I took a pass on my idea,<br />
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I did see this old shed. There aren't many older out buildings left in my Dad's neck of the woods. There isn't the need for them with no livestock and the grain, corn, and beans being stored at the elevators. The few left are either immaculately taken care of, or more often, falling down.<br />
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Saturday was race day and it dawned clear and cold. Temperatures were in the low 20F's.<br />
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Even though we didn't race, we had ordered shirts. The real participants got a bag of goodies. As we were waiting around Heather was regretting her decision. She looked at me ten minutes after we got there and said, "I should have run this thing."<br />
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Did I mention it was cold? Actually, it wasn't bad for those of us layered up for being sedentary, but it looked like not much fun for the racers. They weren't dressed for standing around.<br />
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And then they were off.<br />
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It seemed the first obstacle was one of the hardest.<br />
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Heather is trying to figure out a way to practice this before next year.<br />
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Some of the other obstacles were crawling under barbwire, carry buckets filled with water, running with rectangular bales of straw ...<br />
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There was flipping tractor tires ...<br />
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Climbing up one end of a truck full of shelled corn, running its length, and then climbing back up and out ...<br />
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Pushing a wheelbarrow around a sandy corral ...<br />
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And crawling through culverts.<br />
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From what I overheard the participants had a blast. There only complaint was how cold it was. The organizers had already made it known they are planning on moving the date of the event to earlier in the year. Heather is still psyched and I have to admit a wee twinge. I mean it could be an interesting way to celebrate turning sixty-five.<br />
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After a couple of hours in the cold it was back in the car for the ten hour trip home.<br />
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Goodbye flatlands. Goodbye wind turbines. And, mostly, goodbye everywhere sky.Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-14357209805130942702014-10-22T20:54:00.000-05:002014-10-22T20:54:06.700-05:00Carondelet ParkAutumn is here, but mostly the colors are just beginning.<div>
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Sunday was gorgeous. Lots of blue sky, but plenty of clouds to add interest.</div>
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I thought these clouds looked a little like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanji">Kanji</a>. </div>
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Lots of folks were fishing in the Lake and the pond.</div>
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If you look close you can even see a couple of fishing lines in the bottom corner of this photo.</div>
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Billie enjoying a view of Horseshoe Lake.</div>
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I do so love the slow ride.</div>
Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-28466921181439043042014-07-17T21:10:00.000-05:002014-07-17T21:10:34.007-05:00It Is The Weirdest ThingIt is the weirdest thing. When I drive over to visit my son and his family I take a wrong turn nearly every time. When my Daughter was in town and driving us to my Son's house I had her turn at the wrong place. Yet, when I ride I go directly there. What's my take on this? It is more proof of my mind being more engaged and functioning from a different place when I'm riding. Chris, over at <a href="http://www.everydayriding.org/">Everyday Riding</a>, has told me there was a study done in Japan showing those who commute to work on their motorcycles had a lower incidence of Alzheimer's than those who drive. He linked it for me, but I can't find it. Hopefully he'll pipe up.<br />
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My Daughter during her recent visit commented on her biggest worry about my brain injury is the unset of dementia. My response? What can I do except live my life? I'm definitely a candidate for having <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy</span> (<a href="http://www.sportslegacy.org/research/cte/">CTE</a>), but since it can only be definitively diagnosed postmortem I'm in no hurry to find out. CTE and Alzheimer's are different maladies. One birthed of trauma, the other not. Both progressive.<br />
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There is so much known about brain trauma ... and so little. For now, I can be grateful for how my brain works when I'm riding. And, I am. I can, also, be grateful for my ability to bring the place my mind is in when I'm riding to other parts of my life. And, I am.<br />
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I will try to always ride to visit my precious ones for as long as I am able and know who they are.<br />
<br />Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-88534088881277801722014-05-26T20:15:00.000-05:002014-05-26T21:40:35.076-05:00A Memorial Day StoryLast Fall the Condo Association decided to remove a wall from the one time fountain now planter which sets in our front yard. It was falling down. It was going to be very expensive to repair and the decision was made to tear it down. There really wasn't any plan as to what to do with the space afterwards.<br />
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One of the things Heather misses about not living in a house with a yard is being able to garden. She decided to take matters into her own hands.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The mission for Memorial Day Weekend was to make this look good.</span></i></td></tr>
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She loves getting her hands in the dirt. Me? Not so much. I was the heavy lifter. By Saturday evening she had accomplished quite a bit.<br />
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She wanted to add some more annuals and it still needed more mulch. Mulch means me.<br />
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Early Sunday afternoon I headed to the garden supply store to buy three more bags of mulch, which brings me to the story.<br />
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I noticed him when I came into the store. He was an African-American gentlemen of about my age. His tee-shirt said, "Marines" on it, as did his hat.<br />
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While waiting to checkout I saw him again. He was in the other line. He was buying a flat of petunias. When I got to my car, there he was again. We were parked next to one another. I could have kept my mouth shut, but those of you who know me know that wasn't likely. "There's nothing I like better than seeing a Marine with his petunias," I said. Thankfully, he chuckled. "Happy Memorial Day," I said next and then added, "That doesn't sound right, but I think you know what I mean. Thank you."<br />
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"Well," he said, "I tell folks when you see a veteran my age you can assume he served in Vietnam. It's okay to say 'thank you' to us, but better to say, 'Welcome home'."<br />
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I walked over to him. "I need to tell you about something." I went on to tell him about my daughter.<br />
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My daughter lives in Norfolk, Virginia and in addition to being an electrical engineer employed by the Navy, she sings in the <a href="http://www.virginiasymphony.org/ChorusAbout.php">Virginia Symphony Chorus</a>. One of their performances each year is during the <a href="http://www.virginiaartsfest.com/2014/tattoo-main">Virginia International Tattoo</a>. I explained to him a Tattoo was a military show with lots of drill teams, bag pipes, patriotic songs, and other military themed performances. This year the Tattoo made a special point of honoring Vietnam veterans and their families. At her performances just before the Armed Forces Medley the master of ceremonies asked all the Vietnam veterans to stand and be recognized. And, then the MC said to them, "Welcome home."<br />
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I, also, felt I needed to tell him she told me many of them broke down and cried. Why did I feel this need? Because he was crying.<br />
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I put out my hand. He took it. I shook his hand and said, "Welcome home." With his left hand he grabbed my right arm between the elbow and the shoulder. I responded by putting my left hand on his right shoulder. He looked at me, really looked at me, squeezed my arm hard enough I thought he might leave marks, and said, "Thank you."<br />
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We let go of each other. He went to his car. I went to mine. We drove off. I never did get his name and I suspect I will never see him again, but I'm positive I was supposed to see him when I did.<br />
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By the way, here's Heather's finished project.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nGqAwLxFOFA/U4PflvoAzEI/AAAAAAAAIdc/XGi1huWEFDk/s1600/2014-05-25+16.55.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nGqAwLxFOFA/U4PflvoAzEI/AAAAAAAAIdc/XGi1huWEFDk/s1600/2014-05-25+16.55.24.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-51646133883869273472014-04-28T21:29:00.001-05:002014-04-28T21:29:31.705-05:00Cahokia MoundsHeather and I spent the day at Cahokia Mounds Saturday. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can click<a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/198"> here</a> to learn more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDt_TBE6q4A/U18HV3WH5iI/AAAAAAAAITg/4CG3VVOJ144/s1600/2014-04-26+11.44.38edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDt_TBE6q4A/U18HV3WH5iI/AAAAAAAAITg/4CG3VVOJ144/s1600/2014-04-26+11.44.38edited.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">At one time these were the doors one used to enter the Interpretive Center. They are cast bronze and very heavy. They have stopped using them. They were very heavy. They have stopped using them. There are more easily managed doors on either side of these monsters now. Not so functional, but beautiful.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R4gzGxy0ZcE/U18Hq1RqbSI/AAAAAAAAITo/C8DEojpCYh4/s1600/DSC02328+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R4gzGxy0ZcE/U18Hq1RqbSI/AAAAAAAAITo/C8DEojpCYh4/s1600/DSC02328+(2).JPG" height="247" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is one of the conical mounds.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WbZkV-OqhUg/U18H6LyIB0I/AAAAAAAAITw/_6QM-_BbrrM/s1600/DSC02336+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WbZkV-OqhUg/U18H6LyIB0I/AAAAAAAAITw/_6QM-_BbrrM/s1600/DSC02336+(2).JPG" height="283" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The large mound's base is bigger than the Great Pyramid of Giza.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6S19VLK4y-g/U18IMCgoxcI/AAAAAAAAIT4/WQbue-0vTMQ/s1600/DSC02335edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6S19VLK4y-g/U18IMCgoxcI/AAAAAAAAIT4/WQbue-0vTMQ/s1600/DSC02335edited.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On a clear day the view from the top of the large mound gives a great view of the St.Louis City Skyline. Unfortunately it was hazy Saturday</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpG49RB7rtM/U18IghbkbRI/AAAAAAAAIUE/t5Y8TDeZdYs/s1600/DSC02348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpG49RB7rtM/U18IghbkbRI/AAAAAAAAIUE/t5Y8TDeZdYs/s1600/DSC02348.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the reconstructions is called "Woodhenge". It is a circle of poles around a center pole. They are pretty certain it was used as a calelndar and there are gatherings here at the Solstices. This is the pole in the center of the circle of poles.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIJQL-INXEw/U18I3pBsD5I/AAAAAAAAIUM/XfC_O68Pobk/s1600/DSC02330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIJQL-INXEw/U18I3pBsD5I/AAAAAAAAIUM/XfC_O68Pobk/s1600/DSC02330.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Signs of the past seasons are still with us.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztt69OFyUeQ/U18JJRXIvAI/AAAAAAAAIUU/wrny2hy4Uxs/s1600/2014-04-26+14.26.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztt69OFyUeQ/U18JJRXIvAI/AAAAAAAAIUU/wrny2hy4Uxs/s1600/2014-04-26+14.26.42.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And, of course, there was Cake.</span></td></tr>
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I love this place.Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-77746746857568661812014-04-24T20:22:00.001-05:002014-04-24T20:22:41.752-05:00Homeless Blossoms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a9F7OPDGjlQ/U1m4yrgU6eI/AAAAAAAAISk/Lo9tkM_lfnk/s1600/10290652_10202499317657853_1609850184202523229_nedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a9F7OPDGjlQ/U1m4yrgU6eI/AAAAAAAAISk/Lo9tkM_lfnk/s1600/10290652_10202499317657853_1609850184202523229_nedited.jpg" height="320" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-19118597578744699712014-04-23T20:15:00.001-05:002014-04-23T20:15:55.321-05:00Urban Camo Rides Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZRvAvga7_c/U1hjljqpe7I/AAAAAAAAIR0/sXgHq2XbcfQ/s1600/10255821_10202492407845112_7575940316849623908_nedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZRvAvga7_c/U1hjljqpe7I/AAAAAAAAIR0/sXgHq2XbcfQ/s1600/10255821_10202492407845112_7575940316849623908_nedited.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
First ride with the Summer helmet. This will be my third season. I love how light weight it is. I love how much visibility it gives me. I love the fit. It is a dual sport helmet, but I took off the visor last year and like it better.<br />
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I have two other helmets, both of which are modular. I wear glasses. On and off is so easy with modular. I really like that. It sort of trumps all the pluses of my AFX...sadly.Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-84464975501545895002014-04-21T20:43:00.001-05:002014-04-21T20:43:11.973-05:00If I Was Into Tattoos . . .<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The Grove, St. Louis MO</i></span></td></tr>
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<br />Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-86941011377776693262014-04-21T06:32:00.003-05:002014-04-21T06:32:47.608-05:00Easter Sunday 2014<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A9DxSOH3zVE/U1T_Wwy0A6I/AAAAAAAAIP8/PHGfSgeZ_pc/s1600/DSC02320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A9DxSOH3zVE/U1T_Wwy0A6I/AAAAAAAAIP8/PHGfSgeZ_pc/s1600/DSC02320.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A wonderful day for a hike in the woods. Last weekend it was nearly all gray. This weekend still lots of gray, but some green and the red bud are blooming.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9y-Zqp8QF6Y/U1T_mTqCwEI/AAAAAAAAIQE/U_zmHMX-V2Q/s1600/DSCF6695edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9y-Zqp8QF6Y/U1T_mTqCwEI/AAAAAAAAIQE/U_zmHMX-V2Q/s1600/DSCF6695edited.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After we got back from Castlewood I took the Red Fox for 90min ride. When I got home the sun wasn't in sunset mode, but was certainly fixing to.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZKG4YoEmM0/U1T_xgm3EYI/AAAAAAAAIQM/oVFUi3dWdJY/s1600/DSCF6701+(2)edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZKG4YoEmM0/U1T_xgm3EYI/AAAAAAAAIQM/oVFUi3dWdJY/s1600/DSCF6701+(2)edited.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This moth decided to pose for me. It was good to get a picture of a moth or butterfly somewhere other than in my grill. And yes, still no new windscreen.</span></td></tr>
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<br />Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-189345867563249712014-04-20T16:37:00.001-05:002014-04-20T16:37:20.586-05:00Emptiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtndMhB6JKc/U1Q9fzW_hJI/AAAAAAAAIPs/WVpY7hZ6q6o/s1600/DSC02307editededited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtndMhB6JKc/U1Q9fzW_hJI/AAAAAAAAIPs/WVpY7hZ6q6o/s1600/DSC02307editededited.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Reminded once again:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Matters I thought grave</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">are released </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">in finding</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Emptiness.</span>Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-91493461200373631782014-04-13T21:24:00.000-05:002014-04-13T21:24:37.610-05:00Winter Is OverSaturday Heather and I hiked at <a href="http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatlas/AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=5405">Rockwood Reservation</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQy2ajDLkes/U0tA2J4ip2I/AAAAAAAAINA/F3VmP4mRNfk/s1600/DSC02238edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQy2ajDLkes/U0tA2J4ip2I/AAAAAAAAINA/F3VmP4mRNfk/s1600/DSC02238edited.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">White amid the tangle.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl38LUBmTMw/U0tBstSSYfI/AAAAAAAAINI/yVOghq8pMV8/s1600/DSC02244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl38LUBmTMw/U0tBstSSYfI/AAAAAAAAINI/yVOghq8pMV8/s1600/DSC02244.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Room with a view. I suspect unoccupied.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqOMxSTmF84/U0tCUvDnryI/AAAAAAAAINQ/5gD02Rup-ac/s1600/DSC02245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqOMxSTmF84/U0tCUvDnryI/AAAAAAAAINQ/5gD02Rup-ac/s1600/DSC02245.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unlike in the City, there were very few trees in bloom or budding.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfxqh5x7YN0/U0tDH68mfuI/AAAAAAAAINc/Z3I3rK4X6Hc/s1600/DSC02249edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfxqh5x7YN0/U0tDH68mfuI/AAAAAAAAINc/Z3I3rK4X6Hc/s1600/DSC02249edited.jpg" height="252" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Still. The big rocks witness another coming Spring.</span></td></tr>
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It was a comfortable 82F/28C as we hiked our 5.5mi/8.8km. Tomorrow night the forecast is for a low of 30F/-1C, yet none of us are fooled. Winter is over.Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-29330770035147789202014-01-06T18:12:00.000-06:002014-01-06T18:12:22.845-06:00Day TwoThe temperatures rose to above 0F/-18C and my temperature seemed still normal so armed with my favorite weapons against snow I ventured forth.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4PwurTnv6Ps/UstA_ZLRFNI/AAAAAAAAHnY/21Y3vWXrigg/s1600/1506924_10201855213115642_603680846_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4PwurTnv6Ps/UstA_ZLRFNI/AAAAAAAAHnY/21Y3vWXrigg/s1600/1506924_10201855213115642_603680846_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A norse shovel (made in China) and a Japanese Suburito (also made in China)</i></td></tr>
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The enemy really wasn't all that much, I have faced worse.<br />
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I made short work of this. The snow was fluffy and light.<br />
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Actually, I semi-cleaned off two other cars before I was done. Now, I'm back to drinking lots of fluid, resting, and staying warm and cozy.<br />
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And what of the snow goddess?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I love her hat!</i></td></tr>
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She made short work of clearing a path from the garage to the alley. And then, having freed her red chariot she went into work.<br />
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I found out a little while ago the Courts are closed again tomorrow. I am grateful. It will give me another day to rest up and get ahead of the curve on this pesky virus.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Heaven knows I could use lots and lots of beauty sleep.</i></td></tr>
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<br />Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-32761560911280178752014-01-05T13:26:00.002-06:002014-01-05T16:21:05.239-06:00Real WinterAnd so it begins.<br />
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It started later than predicted, but once it got here it began to dump the snow.<br />
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Since the temperature was still 23F/-5C and the predicted wind hadn't yet manifested itself, we decided to walk over and see if the Cafe was open.<br />
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There wasn't much traffic moving.<br />
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We had the place pretty much to ourselves. Not long after we arrived word came the Starbucks across the street had closed for the day. While we were there a few more folks came in, but I suspect it won't be long before they close it up too.<br />
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The snow plows were out on the snow routes. The City doesn't plow the side streets. This makes for quite the adventure whenever there is snow. I moved here in December of 1987 and this may turn into the biggest snow event I've experienced since I've been here. It may be awhile before I can get out of my street.<br />
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I considered taking the Symba out into the alley and to play a little, but just after we got home the wind came up. Listening to its howl gave in the idea it might just be best to hunker down.<br />
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Yes, like <a href="http://vespalx150.blogspot.com/2014/01/cold-snow-chicken.html">Steve</a> I decided it was a good day to spend in the company of a trusted friend.<br />
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The projection for total snow accumulation continue to go up and the projected high temperature for tomorrow continues to go down. Right now the forecast is -4F/-20C with a windchills as low as -33F/-36C. This is not the type of weather people are accustomed to in this area. I've been hearing the sirens from emergency vehicles way too often this morning. Folk here, while they panic at the slightest forecast of snow, don't really have an appreciation for how dangerous Real Winter can be. I grew up with it and still at times miss it, but I know it can be a killer. The good news it is snow and not ice. Those with heat will have heat.<br />
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There is a man who literally lives on the street behind the Courthouse I work in. He is no bother. He is in his own world carrying on a running conversation with those unseen. People watch out for him and I suspect he's been "picked up" and will be where it is warm, but there are others. So many people at risk when the weather goes cold. I hope and pray there are none who end up giving a gruesome twist to the old tag Episcopalians used to be given, "God's Frozen Chosen."Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-57563350736009916732013-12-24T20:12:00.000-06:002013-12-24T20:12:07.764-06:00Christmas Eve 2013When I'm riding the most wonderful things come to mind. I compose amazing and possibly insightful prose, but then I get home. My "Riding Mind" becomes Cinderella and the marvelous spell cast by two wheels unravels. By the time I can sit myself down at the computer I'm lucky to have one slipper. It is much like trying to remember a dream. I can almost, but not quite. It is very frustrating.<br />
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Today I saw a couple of those "Happy Birthday, Jesus," signs planted in folk's yards. I cannot tell you how much I dislike those signs. Hello! We don't know when Jesus was born. Christians didn't really need to celebrate his birthday until it became important to confirm his humanity after much time emphasizing his divinity. "Yes," Christmas says, "Rejoice, Jesus was born. He is truly human." And what better time to affirm this great joy then when the light is once more overcoming the darkness.<br />
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As I was pondering this, my "Riding Mind" was remembering the Jerusalem Talmud saying the Messiah would be born on Tisha B'Av, the Ninth Day of the Jewish month of Av, which usually falls sometime between late July and early August. On Tisha B'Av both the First Temple and the Second Temple were destroyed. On Tisha B'Av, in 1290, the Jews were expelled from England. On Tisha B'Av in 1492, the Jews were expelled from Spain. Tisha B'Av has become the day when all the tragedies experienced by the Jewish People coalesce into a profound sadness. Here the Messiah doesn't come bringing light into the darkness, but rather hope into the sadness.<br />
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During the past week a friend died. It was the end of a long and truly heroic struggle against the darkness of a number of ailments. Another friend's mother suffered a stroke. Another friend is in the midst of a long standing custody battle which once again turned for the worse. Another friend's sister chose to end her life. Darkness and sadness.<br />
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My "Riding Mind" embraced all this, knew all this, and could explain how both Christmas and Tisha B'Av point us to the really big truth: The two times we are most profoundly open to the Holy are at times of great joy and at times of deep sadness. Of the two, sadness seems the more well worn path. Personally, I'm not sure joy has every opened me up to experience Life at its most profoundest. I know sadness has. The Holy has entered my life on the wings of healing. I'm still waiting to encounter the Whirling Wonder through joy.<br />
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My "Riding Mind" was overflowing with wonderful things to say to support my friends in their struggles and griefs. Then the ride ended and clarity slipped away. It always seems to.<br />
Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-46098635717345073942013-12-20T17:29:00.002-06:002013-12-20T17:29:48.061-06:00For the BirdsIsabelle, my Kymco People 250S, hadn't been out of the garage since before Thanksgiving Day. That is too long. I took a vacation day from work and the weather was incredible. I wrote some about the ride over at <a href="http://didheridetoday.blogspot.com/2013/12/vacation-day.html">Did He Ride Today?</a><br />
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There was a definite bird theme happening on my ride.<br />
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First I spied this beauty.<br />
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Then later,<br />
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there was this really neat wind vane.<br />
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And last, but not least...<br />
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Have a Holly Jolly Flamingo-mas!Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-24505495492567069172013-12-14T13:12:00.000-06:002013-12-14T14:11:18.860-06:00It SnowedIt snowed.<br />
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To my Michigan sensibilities where I'm located it didn't snow much , only 3in/7.5cm or so. Some areas recorded 5in/13cm or more. It was a wet snow. All during the snowfall the temperature hovered just above freezing. As I walked I could hear the sound of the snow packing underfoot. Snowball weather!<br />
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Many events were canceled today. There seemed no reason. Even the side roads were no more slippery than if it had rained, but probably better safe than sorry.<br />
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As we walked over to the cafe the biggest danger we encountered was the nasty spray, a combination of de-icing chemicals, road grim, and slush. We survived.<br />
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It is said colder temperatures are on the way, but only for a couple of days then we will have a warm up. This was a perfect snowfall for an area still recovering from drought, a blanket of wet soaking into the thirsty grateful soil.Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-28431393592067838462013-11-24T22:26:00.001-06:002013-11-24T22:26:48.161-06:00A Touch Or Two Of ColorWent out for a nice little urban ride on Saturday. I was out for about an hour and a half. The temperature was right at freezing or a little below. The sun was out and made it feel a little warmer.<br />
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There is still a touch or two of color, but it is pretty much done for the season. Tomorrow there is even talk of wintry mix. It may be my first not ride day of the year. We'll see.Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-4430472523605850782013-11-19T21:37:00.000-06:002013-11-19T21:37:13.157-06:00Mostly LuckyWhen Heather and I came home from my gig on Saturday night it was raining.<div>
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The following morning it seemed to be clearing. The forecast was for possible storms and a wind advisory was in effect. The big thing was how warm it was. It was in the 70'sF and humid by 0800CST and that just isn't normal for this time of year. </div>
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By lunchtime the wind had picked up dramatically and it was clouding over. The leaves were dancing in the streets and when I took the above photo it still felt more sunny than cloudy.</div>
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Ten minutes later just as I parked it looked much different.</div>
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And it felt different, too. The Yaris was shaking. Four minutes later it looked like this:</div>
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Even for someone used to the capriciousness of Midwestern weather this was dramatic. Just as it cleared my phone beeped with a Severe Thunderstorm Warning. They got that right, but a little late for me.</div>
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I finished my errands which was more of an adventure than usual. Many stoplights weren't working including one near where I live. It seemed easier to make a right hand turn rather and come home the "back way" rather than do the unplanned four way stop thing one more time. I'd had my fill of this game of post storm roulette.</div>
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As I turned on my street this is what I saw ahead of me:</div>
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If I'd tried to come home my normal way the street would have been blocked. After I unloaded my groceries I went out to examine the damage.</div>
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Surprisingly of the two cars damaged this one came out on the better end. It's windshield was smashed and the driver's side mirror was broken off.</div>
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This car had its rear window taken out totally and the roof was bent in. Sad.</div>
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These wonderful old trees are beautiful, but . . .</div>
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Still, as the news came in of the damage done in other places we were very lucky here. Even the folks who were unlucky enough to be parked where they were will drive their cars again.</div>
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Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-49085406428365126122013-11-12T20:59:00.002-06:002013-11-12T20:59:27.665-06:00A Day LateI knew I needed to replace my computer. It was eight years old was developing some problems. I just didn't know I was going to need to replace it so soon.<br />
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I spent the weekend setting up the new computer set up and getting some experience with the new operating system. I did manage to download some photos over the weekend, but promptly forgot how I did it.<br />
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I'm developing a little comfort with the new beast, but it comes a day late for my publishing in a timely manner the photos I took during my annual ride over to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. I am a day late . . .<br />
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. . . but, not short on gratitude.<br />
<br />Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-40336550109624734602013-11-04T21:03:00.000-06:002013-11-04T21:03:05.232-06:00Autumn<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the distance are some of the Busch Family's Clydesdales</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love being near so many rivers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5mchQgSIUc/Unhdv6ygwAI/AAAAAAAAHPg/Lv_ZSAk0yY4/s1600/1384027_10201404353324429_382535226_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5mchQgSIUc/Unhdv6ygwAI/AAAAAAAAHPg/Lv_ZSAk0yY4/s320/1384027_10201404353324429_382535226_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Meramec River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was surprised to see these out when we visited the zoo during "Boo At The Zoo"</td></tr>
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<br />Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-20466416196510236632013-10-28T21:32:00.003-05:002013-10-28T21:32:29.257-05:00It's That Time Of Year Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is <a href="http://www.dartstlouis.com/">DART St. Louis</a> time again. I met Frank when I was taking photos at one of our areas. Yes, I said one of our areas. This year we threw two darts. Frank is from the area Heather was shooting, but I tagged along. As I was taking his picture a woman came out of the house. She was so excited I was taking a picture of Frank. That's how I came to know his name. I never did find out how Frank felt about having his photo taken. Apparently he doesn't speak much.<br />
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I didn't find out this cricket's name either. When Heather saw this she said, "Sometimes you feel like a nut and sometimes you don't." I said my caption would be, "A Nut Too Far." She didn't get the joke. Apparently, "A Bridge Too Far" was from before her time. Ouch.<br />
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And there was the poor homeless Frosty.<br />
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In a completely different neighborhood I spied these guys.<br />
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You knew there had to be flamingos, didn't you?Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-90772782134301338432013-07-28T21:19:00.000-05:002013-07-28T21:19:12.422-05:00ObviouslyOf course, I had to see if it really didn't have an outlet.<br />
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It didn't. The road is obviously misnamed.Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-2711605565232114762013-07-15T21:29:00.000-05:002013-07-15T21:29:16.179-05:00Can't Help It . . .I'm a flatlander.<br />
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I love lots of sky and space to breath, but shade can be nice, too.<br />
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I've noticed as I ride around the flatlands there seems to be lots of rock gardens. I wonder why?<br />
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I know in Michigan where I grew up we had piles and piles of rocks. Every Spring more rocks seemed to appear. My first job on the farm was picking up rocks. My Grandpa had a sheet of steel he'd pull behind the Farmall A. He called it a stone boat. I'd roll the bigger stones onto the "boat" and we'd float it to the stone pile.<br />
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The head of this dog moved in the wind.<br />
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Who knew gnomes had enemies?<br />
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I really have to notice my starting odometer reading. I've no idea how far I went, but I'm happy to say it took most of the day to get there.Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8081254330907008604.post-77292977204710621882013-07-08T21:19:00.001-05:002013-07-08T21:19:25.019-05:00No LongerColumbia, Illinois is just over the <a href="http://www.johnweeks.com/river_mississippi/pagesC/umissC08.html">Jefferson Barracks Bridge</a> from South St.Louis County. It is where I-255 crosses the Mississippi River.<br />
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I managed to get out for a short ride on Sunday afternoon and decided I'd head over the J.B. Bridge to Columbia. This means I'm no longer an Interstate virgin. Whatever could this mean? I haven't a clue, but I do know I don't feel any different.Keith - Circle Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.com12