Scooter in the Sticks

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

Modest Riding

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Vespa GTS scooter on a snowy dayOn the Road — Often and Always

When I started riding, it was all about the exhilaration of flight over the road. The pure physical stimulation of piloting the scooter was intoxicating to the point that nothing much else matter. Over time, riding infected thought and deed. My brain was always scheming and looking for an excuse to ride. Didn’t matter if it was hot outside or if there was snow on the ground. The Vespa scooter and I found our way into the world. In that obsession an appreciation of modest riding developed.Continue Reading

Power of a Blue Sky

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Vespa GTS under a blue sky.Thoughts Under a Blue Sky

Riding home from work today, the first hot day of the season, was a slow and meandering trip under a clear blue sky.  Looking up at the clouds I felt an elation I can only associate with everything being okay — at the moment and in a more general sense.

I know it’s just a feeling but always a welcome state of mind on a hectic day that’s a montage of activity at work and home mixed up with the news of the day.  As I thought about this post, I happened upon a passage written by Anne Frank regarding the hopeful nature that comes from looking up at the sky.  Written nearly 73 years ago, her words and thoughts, at age 14, seem far beyond her years. Seemed somehow appropriate despite the dramatic difference of her world from mine.

“It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.
It’s utterly impossible for me to build my life on a foundation of chaos, suffering and death. I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness, I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too, I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more”

Anne Frank
– July 15, 1944

 

See the World

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Vespa GTS scooter at sunset along a rural roadRoad of Life

The ride is not always the end in itself.  Sometimes it’s an excuse for something else.  For me, that excuse is a desire to see the world.

After a day at work, or in some situation where I’m cut off from “the world”, I feel the pull to get out and away and experience the thrum and sound of the places and people who I share this space.  The Vespa scooter as it winds it’s way along roads and through towns, the places it delivers me to drink tea and watch the people around me, it is the perfect tool to serve up a dose of the world.

The rain moved out of the valley by the end of the day and the long light as the sun neared the horizon painted a dazzling portrait.  Riding the scooter along the rural roads near home entertained the senses — the sweet smells of flowers and grass, the sound of birds lost in twitterpation at the end of a day, and the mesmerizing scenes that unfold mile after mile.Continue Reading

The March of Time

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wall calendar with picture of granddaughterDays on the Wall

The last day of a month long series of blog posts based on specific writing prompts.  This one — the February image on your wall calendar.  So here it is, the calendar hanging in our kitchen, the only one in the house.  It’s a 2016 calendar made up entirely of photographs of our granddaughter and we move through the year hanging pictures of her to look at again.  The month and days are unimportant.  Kim keeps a day planner and I utilize my iPhone and computer to track the days.

Ah, the march of time.

As startling as it is to watch how fast a baby turns into a little person, that same speed applies to life in general.  Frightening really, how swiftly time marches on.

The month long writing prompt challenge has been enlightening and challenged my ability to produce content quickly.  It’s also helped form a ritual to conceptualize and produce on a daily basis.  On more than one occasion it introduced me to sloth and procrastination. I’m glad I participated.  And I’m glad it’s over.  Not sure I have the energy for one more post.

Reflection of Steve Williams in mirror at Saint's Cafe in State College, PennsylvaniaThe March of Time: What’s Next?

I’m always wondering what’s next.  At work. At home.  On a ride on the Vespa.  And now here I am with Scooter in the Sticks wondering what I’ll do next. I have a list of topics, ideas and goals.  And probably all of them will wait until I retire at the end of June before I leap in to action.  Or maybe stroll.

Until then I’ll just post whatever happens to cross my path or occur to me while riding to work or dozing in an easy chair.

2017 Brave, Bold Blogger Challenge

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

Post-Heart Attack Breakfast

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Breakfast of cereal, toast and fruitDaily Choice for a Post-Heart Attack Breakfast

A heart attack almost two years ago has transformed breakfast.  The once daily stops at McDonalds for a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit with a hash brown chaser has been replaced with something more predictably healthy.  Less fat.  Fewer calories.

Just about everyday now starts in the same breakfast arena; shredded wheat sweetened with raisin bran floating in skim milk, blueberries when I remember them, some sort of toast with barely a teaspoon of Promise margarine, fruit, at least one glass of water and a small handful of pills.

Luckily my culinary palate is simple and requires little variety.  It gets me going and fuels what comes next.

Vespa GTS scooter along highway at sunriseStarting the Day

At the end of February in central Pennsylvania and I’m riding to work in the morning in 50F air.  The sun was beaming through the clouds to offer a fine greeting for another day.  Riding in these circumstances is just plain, unfettered joy.  In less than 130 days I won’t feel the pressure of the clock as I ride into retirement.

I’m thinking a disciplined approach to a post-heart attack breakfast will help keep the days going smoothly.

Vespa GTS scooter near Penn State's Beaver StadiumRoad to Work

Riding across a familiar gravel road on the way to the office I just had to stop to admire the views.  Beaver Stadium, home to Penn State’s Nittany Lion football team looms on the horizon.  I’ve stood in this spot many times.  It hasn’t grown old yet.

Perhaps it never will.

2017 Brave, Bold Blogger Challenge

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