Definitely feeling better but not running on all cylinders yet.

Understanding and meaning are fickle goals and can lead to big doses of frustration and anxiety — for me at least. Even so I find myself pursuing them at times for no good reason.

Instead I’m trying to experience the moments without questioning so much anymore…

First, thank you for the kind words about Scooter in the Sticks. It has been and continues to be a labor of love and one way I slow down enough to pay attention to life. Writing and photographing has always been an avenue to that end. Riding slowly is as well. Life is good, even amidst uncomfortable stuff, when I pay attention.

And soon I’ll feel well enough to ride I’m sure!

I’m only 49, think I’m still in my 20s, don’t regret aging, but also struggle to understand what it all means. I’ve learned a lot about myself over the last few years, and about others. I hope I have many more years on this Earth, but if not, I’m happy with my life and lucky in many, many ways.

Steve,

Judging by your beautiful blog I think you live and enjoy life quite a bit! No regrets ever, I always look forward to seeing your posts. And yes heres to more 2 wheeled adventures!

Gazelle to giraffe — that’s an interesting observation. I’ll have to think awhile to come up with a pair like that for myself. I know I’ve never been a gazelle!

So far (this illness aside) the only physical challenge I face is heights — no longer deal well with them. But I can still get down on my knees and move around. I don’t leap up as quickly but I can still do it. And I watch my back more. Don’t try and wrestle three hundred pound rocks around in the garden by brute force anymore.

But I’m with you and am ready for the masked swabbers. Onward and hobble another day!

“Don’t get old.” I suppose the only way you can avoid that is to die. Aging is part of living. As I think of why I write posts for Scooter in the Sticks I know a big part of it is aging. Not to complain or bemoan the obvious, but to embrace the process, and like you say, accept it gracefully. Probably a lot of people think that means to shut up and not talk about it but I’ve come to realize there is a lot of delusion surrounding aging, avoidance of the subject and a cultural dismissal of it’s ramifications.

I appreciate your comments — the information from your graduate work helps keep things in perspective. And thanks for your prayers. I have much to be grateful for.

Be safe on the Vespa. Hopefully in a few days I’ll be on mine again!

We’ll cross paths somewhere soon. Hope things go well for you.

The guy in the mirror can be a pain in the backside. He is often a loose cannon and doesn’t think things through.

Hope you have a good meeting with the orthopedist and the hip pain.

Well, once I’m better about four of those bottles will go away…

The Vespa is standing silent in the garage. Not ready for it yet physically but I’m itching to go for a ride.

Grokking is fun!

You’re right about how adding something new to the mix gets the medical trade churning. What surprised me most was the weight of this latest flu on me. I seem to remember recovering much quicker in the past which is probably true. Only the past I’m thinking about might be twenty years ago.

I try and keep the medications straight and ask the pharmacist about interactions but I can see how fast that could become near impossible with a lot of medications.

Getting to the point now where I am thinking of returning to some sort of routine regarding time, sleep, diet, exercise, etc. Not there yet but soon…