I can blame snow for lack of riding. Sort of. But not for not writing anything. Can I? I still have an essay on the Triumph Thunderbird I had a couple weeks ago. It’s almost ready but I can’t cross the goal line.
My hands are cold and I can’t type well. How’s that sound? Lame. I have been riding in the cold. One morning commute saw the temperature at 33 degrees Fahrenheit. I had to drag myself to the garage and put on the gear. My First Gear Kilimanjaro jacket lost it’s zipper so the sealing from the wind is not so good. The electric gloves are working fine. I’m just tired. Not so tired that I didn’t venture out in the recent snow to try and adjust my seasonal clock. I’m stuck in summer mode.
The dog. That’s why I haven’t been writing (or riding) more. I think. He sure does take a lot of energy. Both shoulders are sore from lofting tennis balls for this tireless beast. The Chuckit has helped propel the ball farther but so far my arms feel wrecked. Junior loves chasing those yellow balls.
The other morning I decided to end a ride short and just pulled into the Pump Station to relax and stare out the window. And have a breakfast sandwich. And tea. My body has been drained by too much exercise. I can barely type now. My lazy ass just wants to climb into bed. I suppose that’s a good thing. I can’t survive anymore on 3 or 4 hours sleep.
Gordon and I still get together once a week for the 3 Prints Project. Right now it should be the No Prints Project. I’ve shot some film but have not processed a thing in a month. Progress — I did by new chemicals yesterday. It is nice to sit at Saints and make excuses.
Lots of tree branches came down in the unexpectedly early snowfall. Kim eyed some Curly Willow branches that she wanted. I loaded them on the roof of my truck and crawled home. I should have tied them to the back of the Vespa. Would have made a better picture.
Every morning at 5am Junior stirs and tries to get me moving. He doesn’t flash me this sweet look because it’s still dark but he has other tricks. I made this photo at the park on Friday. He sure loves, I mean loves, chasing tennis balls. It shows in his face.
PHOTO BY PAUL RUBYMy friend Paul made this picture at Barnes and Noble last night. I looked at it on the camera after he shot it and asked him to send it to me. It’s a reminder that I don’t look as burned out as I feel. Maybe my expectations are skewed. Maybe it’s ok to feel drained taking care of a big puppy.
Despite my whining all is well. It’s good to get more exercise and the routine works for me. On Wednesday we begin dog college. Obedience Training. Owner Training. Opportunities to fail and look stupid. Junior is smarter than I am. I am here typing. He is lying at my feet sleeping.
Case closed.
