Pedal Report

Went out this morning for 105 minutes. I was able to get back home in time to avoid the afternoon heat.

I saw: four turtles, one snake sunning itself that I was not able to identify, 2 coyotes!, too many toads to keep count, the usual migratory water fowl and one pace-pushing companion named Lew for ~6miles.

I took my camera with me; I wanted to take pictures of some flowers, I saw nine different species that I would identify, including Smooth Vetch, Great Mullein, Red Clover, and Field Garlic. I didn't take any photos, and that's okay; the flowers will be there tomorrow.

Illusions

My number one crush (a certain patient at work) just asked me for my phone number! I was playing it so cool on the outside even though my heart was fluttering away up in my throat. Then I woke up.

Reality is a bitch!

Look at that time stamp. I've been unable to fall back asleep.

Reality is a bitch!

MPLS recap

I went to MPLS last weekend to see D4 perform Midwestern Songs in its entirety and to visit friends.

I flew in on Saturday and took the light rail downtown to my hotel, which was the W-Foshay. Place was totally bitch. I then headed to Grumpy's downtown to have a mock duck sandwich and some beers. I saw an east coast friend and met some new people.

I wanted to see all the bands, and Jonny was able to hook me up with a guest list spot. I headed to the Triple Rock in time to see The Slow Death (They had 4 guitars!! Sooooo funny), but their set was excellent. I love seeing those songs performed.

Nato played second. I actually didn't see too much of their set. I went to the other room with Parker to try to track down some food. Also, Sam totally blew me off. I understand that he has a gf there. They are actually perfect for each other since they are both total booze hounds, but it's disappointing that he won't even say hi. We are friends.

Third was Big Eyes, and I was so excited to see them. Kate fucking shreds, and I hadn't seen the band perform since Fest 2 years ago. Long over-do. Their drummer was sitting SO HIGH. It was awesome watching him play, though.

D4 was last. The set was kind of an abortion. They had a few false starts on some of the songs. I understand that, especially since it was not the usual set, and some of the songs they hadn't ever played, or maybe only once, like over ten years ago. But the show was still electrifying! Everyone there was singing along and having a great time! I know that album was so influential for so many people, and positive vibes were abound! My voice was hoarse the next day from all the sing-alongs!

On Sunday, I walked like 4 miles to a bike shop to get a bike to for the rest of the trip. I pedaled down to the Triple Rock for some brunch. I was pretty dehydrated, but not hungover. After delicious French Toast, I pedaled to Minnehaha Park. The last time I was there was the summer of '09 and there was not a lot of water over the falls. It was like a garden hose, barely trickling. This time, though, there was plenty of water. It was beautiful! What a treat that this is located within the city. The park was packed with people out enjoying the nice weather.























There are also hiking trails around the park, and I walked along the creek to where it empties into the Mississippi. I saw a lot of wildflowers, including Forget-Me-Not. Those are in my top three favorite flowers, although I have never actually seen them out in the wild, just cultivated in gardens, so that was a delight! I took a lot of pictures.






























After I had my fill of the park, I pedaled back towards downtown. I went to St. Anthony Falls and pedaled along with Warehouse District/Gold Medal Park. Downtown MPLS is awesome.
























There was a show at the Hex on Sunday night, so I went back to the hotel and rested before pedaling to the show. It was 'aight. It was free, so whatever.

Monday I had the whole day to myself again. I went to Seward Cafe and ordered some Biscuits and gravy, which I had been dreaming about ALL weekend! Such a treat since nowhere in STL offers vegan biscuits and gravy! Then I returned my bike, went to Grumpy's again for a drink and sandwich before heading to the airport.

The trip wasn't a bad time, but slightly disappointing since I was just by myself the whole time. I have no problem doing things myself or being alone, but I could have stayed home and been by myself. I wanted to go see friends, and that didn't really happen. I did enjoy the scenery. Maybe it was just too long. I could've/should've come home on Sunday. Oh well. It was still nice. I really like it there and will definitely go back. I would also consider moving there. I overheard the Dr tell a patient that he was looking to slow down/retire in about five years, so that is my new timeline.

I'm closing with this song, because it is always a pleasure to see this performed. And because it makes me kind of....quietly pensive, and I'm feeling that right now.

northern migration

Saw an armadillo today while out on my bike. It was along bluff road, on the bridge by Sackman Air Field. Little guy had not made it across the road, but I could still identify that it was an armadillo. I could see his distinct armored tail, and a few feet away, I could see his hard outer shell, which had been split open.

When Jason and I were in Carbondale last month, Adam had asked us if we had armadillos up in STL yet.

So, I guess, yes. Yes, we do.

an experiment in proper hydration

Went out on Ex-Girlfriend for just over 3 hours. 46 miles total. Went to Madonnaville, which was not what I was expecting it to be.

I headed south along the levee. Just south of Old Valmeyer was beautiful!! When I got to Kk Road, I headed up the bluff. Was glad to finally have some shade cover from the trees; I had been roasting out in the afternoon sun. I got a lost, and started to panic a little bit. When I stopped to eat a snack, I checked m GPS and my phone could not locate my position.

I was relieved when I crested a hill and discovered that I was in New Valmeyer, which is only 11 miles from home, and not Wartburg, which is like 30.

I took three bottles of water with me, and one bottle of Gatorade. I drank all of the Gatorade and 2.5 bottles of water. I was slick with sweat. I still got overheated and had a bitchin' headache for the rest of the day.

Overall, a nice outing. South is more scenic. Would like to get down to Fults next time. Might try to leave earlier in the morning to avoid the heat.

dirty jokes

Earlier this week, we had a retired orthodontist, Dr. L, in the chair as a patient. I've met him before, and he's very old school and sweet. He told a joke to Dr S:

"A woman goes into a pharmacy and asks the pharmacist for a bottle of arsenic. He tells her he can't sell her arsenic. The woman opens her purse and pulls out a photo of her husband in bed with the pharmacist's wife. The pharmacist says, "Oh! I didn't know you had a prescription!""

I thought is was pretty funny! Dr. L didn't realize that I was also in the room and had overheard him tell the joke, and he immediately became embarrassed. He told me he was sorry and that he never would have told that joke if he knew I had been in the room!

I was NOT offended by the joke at all; I thought it was funny. I think it was even funnier at how embarrassed he was! So old school and proper!

Then he told me I had nice teeth and the orthodontist who did my braces did a good job.