Scooter in the Sticks

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

Promises of Home

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Vespa GTS scooter along rural road in winterThe Gray World

Drifting through the melancholy gray of winter with little desire to ride or write. The scooter moves through its cold morning stutters to support whatever weak explorations I mount. And then, mostly, my mind is full of promises of home. Home, warm and resting, until some change of mind and thought takes hold and I once again freely move along on the Vespa.

Despite the gray I do ride. The bitter cold has been replaced by the murk that rises from the thawing landscape. My forlorn spirit crying for light. On the road, on foot, or seated with hot tea in solitude — my mind seems to wander through sadness and loss.Continue Reading

Search for the Spirit of Christmas

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tea and journal on a tableExploring in Words

It’s late and I’m still searching for the spirit of Christmas. There’s no tree for it to hide under and my heart is worn and tired. Despite the twinkling lights and colorful trappings of the season, Christmas remains elusive.

Writing always helps clear away the noise that can mask the truth. A small collection of chocolate and tea fueled a pen laying ink across a journal; thoughts of life and Christmas on my mind.Continue Reading

See the Sunrise

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Two Belgian Sheepdogs in the snowFirst Snowfall

Simple pleasures. Helping shape the mind to accept change. Finding joy and satisfaction where I can. The dual challenges of my wife’s medical situation along with the frigid weather we’ve been having (judged by my growing intolerance of cold) have pushed my ability to go with the flow.

The first snowfall of the season thrilled the dogs. Me — not so much. Still, it was good to see the sunrise.Continue Reading

Snow Day

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Snow covered car in snowy drivewayWorst Snow Storm of the Season = Snow Day

Years ago, this amount of snow, eight inches or so, would not raise an eyebrow or concern.  Life would continue on.  The school buses might run a little behind schedule but otherwise it would just be a regular day with snow added to the mix. When I looked out the front door I was greeted by this scene.

Between the weather media and the government the fragrance of disaster and emergency fill the minds of anyone who listens.  The schools were closed.  Activities at Penn State were cancelled.  The coffee shop down the street was closed.  But the roads were mostly clear.  I could have taken the Vespa out for a ride by noon.

But this was the worst snow storm of the season.  We had a snow day.Continue Reading

Life is Good

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life is good blog graphicKeeping All the Plates Spinning

I want to believe life can be simple.  That existence can be reduced to a few, important tasks.  If only I had discipline.  Or more money.  Of if the world would behave the way I think it should.  Then things would be simple.

The blog graphic came into existence while wondering why I couldn’t ride more often.  As if life could be something akin to eat, pray, love.

Ride, sleep, ride.

As enlightening as riding can be, it leaves a trail of infantile denial about some things.

Still, I can’t help but think I’m doing it wrong.  I should be on the road more — happy, joyous and free.

Fine dream.  So is winning the Powerball drawing.

Back to reality.  Fueled the car and van this evening along with the gas can for the snowblower in anticipation of “the worst snow storm of the season.”  Penn State has already announced it will be closed tomorrow.  I’ve already started to wonder if I can go for a little ride on the Vespa.  Wish I had put the snow tires on.

Instead, I’ll run the snow blower, sleep late, and generally pretend I’m retired and lazy.  Testing options for the future.

And that’s the way it is on the night before the storm.

Life is good.