Scooter in the Sticks

Exploring life on a Vespa Scooter and Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle.

Riding Disruption

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COVID-19 rapid antigen test
A simple test for a complex problem

For Whom the Bell Tolls

After two and a half years of careful conduct, I’ve succumbed to the virus that has turned the world upside down. For me, the news that I tested positive for COVID-19 was slightly more worrisome because of my drug suppressed immune system. Along with several other unfortunate medical conditions.

It means there will be a riding disruption. It’s funny how that weighs on my mind.

After reviewing my behavior I can only account for the infection because I have become less resolute in wearing a mask. My history before the pandemic shows annual bouts of flu, colds, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Wearing a mask the past couple years eliminated all of that suffering. I was already a bit of a loner and didn’t congregate with people. So the mask was a sort of Holy Grail.

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A Vespa Ride to the Pump Station

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Farm fields with utility poles running across them.
A morning view of the Nittany Valley.

The Quick Trip

“I’m going to run down to the Pump Station.”

Steve Williams

A common refrain in our house. Up there with “I’m going to take a nap” and “Did you feed the dogs?”

Thankfully, Kim doesn’t ask me to explain what running to the Pump Station Cafe means.

That’s probably because it’s only a half-mile from the house. Often I walk there with a dog, or stop by after making photographs at the Pennsylvania Military Museum. Sometimes I’ll ride down on the Vespa.

It’s a quick, 40 minute, 25-mile trip.

After all, it’s nice to take in the scenery on the way to the Pump Station Cafe.

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Turning a Page

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Vespa GTS scooter on forest road.
On the road into the unknown.

A Slap in the Face

This past year has seen the world struggle. No amount of riding could free me from concern for myself, my family, and those I love. As much as I want to believe that today, the start of a new year, will be different, it’s merely turning the page in the middle of a long novel. There is no magic today, no sudden cleansing of the world. What was bearing down yesterday remains today.

I have faith that the future will be bright, that suffering will ease and those things that provided pleasure and joy will return. But not today. The same struggle goes on for some time to come.

When I looked at the photograph of my Vespa in the forest just two months ago, I’m reminded of how exciting it is to peer into the unknown. Not knowing what lays ahead. Not sure what I’ll encounter. I have that same feeling now as I embrace the start of 2021.

I pray each of you reading these words will find hope and solace amidst whatever challenges you face.

Favorite Sandwich

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grilled chicken sandwich with lots of veggiesSimple Sustenance

Favorite sandwich?  One that I can eat.

Since my heart attack I made some dramatic changes to my diet.  Gone are sandwiches from McDonalds, Wendy’s, Burger King, Chik-fil-A, Dairy Queen, and countless other fast food places.  When I started to look at the fat content it’s no wonder I had clogged pipes.

But it’s not just fast food.  Two taverns a short walk from the house have some outstanding offerings — a prime rib sandwich that I’ll allow myself occasionally, and a fine cheeseburger.  The rare indulgence.  If there’s meat in my diet it’s generally lean chicken or turkey — grilled.

The pictured sandwich comes from the dining hall across the street from my office.  Whole wheat bread, grilled chicken, perhaps a half-teaspoon of mayonnaise, and a pile of vegetables.  No sauce, no dressing, and no cheese.  Low fat.

My favorite sandwich is the one that won’t kill me.

2017 Brave, Bold Blogger Challenge

This post is part of a month long writing prompt challenge conceived by Kathy at Toadmama.com.

Vegetable Mathematics

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Vespa GTS scooter parked outside office buildingRiding to Work

The commute to work is ordinary, predictable and without merit or adventure.  I’ve convinced myself, on many days, that there is nothing new to see or experience and that, at best, all I’m doing is going through motions and movements to move from home to office.  In a car, the radio would fill the mental space that it seems many seek to avoid.  On a ride to workI’m often engage is a full scale dialogue about what ails the world.

This morning was fueled by satisfaction related to being on the road again, and on vegetable mathematics.

Sandwich with vegetablesVegetable Mathematics

I’ve made no secret of the fact that a couple years ago I had a heart attack resulting from an important coronary artery being 100 percent blocked.  It was not fun and has had on ongoing rippling effect through my life. The most dramatic and ongoing — dietary changes that are more revolutionary than evolutionary.  An vegetables play an important part.

A high fat diet has given way to one of reduced everything.  And high in vegetables.  At last six to eight servings a day.  This sandwich is typical of a midday meal — whole grain bread, hint of mayo, grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and onions.

My next vegetable fix is often on my mind.  It’s a challenge because my experience with those plant treasures has been limited.

Vespa GTS scooter at sunsetHomeward Pilgrimage

Aside from vegetables, it was good to be riding to work again.  And home.  The days are getting longer and I can navigate the pathways toward home before dark.  The temperatures have risen above the freezing mark and the snow and ice give way to mud and muck.  But it’ s all part of the rhythm of life now.

Like vegetables.

2017 Brave, Bold Blogger Challenge

This post is part of a month long writing prompt challenge conceived by Kathy at Toadmama.com.