Turn, Turn, Turn.....

Just in time for the kids to head back to school tomorrow, the first touches of red appeared in my neighbor's maple tree.  I always loved back to school time as a kid.  So exciting!  And the fall colors here in the midwest are stunning.

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I Missed My Cyber Neighbors!

It's funny how you can feel like you know people you've never actually met.  When we were in Florida, I kept seeing things that made me think of my blogger pals and wonder how y'all were doing.  This is a tshirt that was in the window of a surf shop in John's Pass. It reminded me of Donna and her husband, Cliff.  Donna has spoken of Cliff's love of ketchup.  Once home, I realized it would make a good Ruby Tuesday entry. 

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My Holiday Ruby Tuesday

We didn't get holiday cards done this year.  We didn't put up a Christmas tree.  But we did take a few minutes to dress up our home on the outside.  Happy Holidays!

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Walkabout

I'm trying to make sure I get out a bit each day, but this morning the skies were dark and the forecast called for rain so I slept in. I was pleasantly surprised to wake to a whole new view. I quickly got dressed, grabbed my camera, and made my way around the block. Here are some bits of red, courtesy of my neighbors:




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It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time!

I took a bike ride yesterday. You'd think that was a good thing, wouldn't you? It started innocently enough. I took the dog out for a pee and was surprised at what a gorgeous, sunny day it was. I’d been so busy working inside that I hadn’t even noticed. So I changed into shorts and a tank top, strapped on my helmet, and hit the road.

The trouble started almost immediately. For one thing, I am not in good shape. An amoeba has better shape than I do. For another, I am 41 years old. Forty one year olds who have not recently participated in regular exercise should not attempt to ride a bike up a hill in eighty degree heat.

I told myself I was tougher than the bike. I remembered how much I enjoy riding. I cursed a lot. Then I reached the end of my block. I thought about turning around. But I didn’t. I decided to ride a five mile loop, and mentally plotted the route I would take as I pedaled along. I live in the Midwest where the winters are long. I was determined not to waste the gorgeous fall day.

As I neared the end of my loop I realized that I would have to travel – uphill - on the overpass in order to get home. I didn’t think I could make it. I really didn’t. After all, I’d ridden nearly five miles after an entire summer of relative inactivity. True, my odometer didn’t seem to be working but I knew it had been five miles because I’d counted the city blocks. Plus it was HOT outside. I’d neglected to bring my water bottle on this journey. I was probably dehydrated. I would never make it over the overpass. I would pass out halfway up and tumble off my bike, over the railing, and down the hill to my death.

As I approached the overpass I decided to just try it. I told myself I could get off the bike and walk it if I wanted to. Hell, I could call Walker to come pick us both up in the van if I really wanted to. But I didn’t. I stayed on the bike, and slowly, slowly, I pushed myself up that hill. At the top, I paused to catch my breath and was rewarded with a beautiful sight: Virginia creeper vine, all decked out in her fall crimson.

When I finally got home I fiddled with my odometer and guess what? I hadn’t even gone five miles. The odometer read 3.53. So much for my math skills. But at least I have a pretty picture for my blog.







Hope you enjoy Ruby Tuesday!