Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Let's Get in the Wind

Harley fans, it’s Four Corners Rally time again. Our group is leaving for the trip across the Navajo Reservation early Friday morning and ending up in Durango, Colorado, sometime late afternoon.

I want to commend the three newbies who are making this trip for the first time. Kudos go to Hoppy (far left),


Mark (I'm sorry to say I don't have a picture)and Mark's wife Julie, and especially Julie (far right).


The last newbie gal that made her first and last trip to Colorado dislocated her shoulder in Cortez during a horrible thunderstorm by cranking down on her front brake at a stoplight. I have mentioned this story to Julie many times hoping she will not have the same fate on wet roads, and there will be wet roads!

Some may ask why do we take on the challenge of crossing the Res and riding the high country of Colorado knowing we could and probably will face rain, sleet, snow, high winds and blowing sand. Why do people skydive or do all the high intensity, adrenaline pumping crazy things in life? We do it because we can and it makes us feel alive!

Personally, I don’t think there is anything more inspiring than riding a motorcycle through the Colorado Rockies. You breathe in pure, cold air and your eyes are treated to majestic mountain peaks with endless valleys of green, luscious pine trees. The scent is like fine wine and you become intoxicated from the experience.

After a long, exhilarating ride there is nothing like a wonderful meal, hot tub and incredibly sound sleep. You wake up in the morning to the sounds of song birds, crisp air and the urge to saddle up and ride some more. Breakfast tastes divine and hot coffee becomes the nectar of the Gods.

Even the ride home after two days in the high country is OK because everyone will be mentally planning next year’s ride to the most beautiful mountains in the world. Sure, we will be tired, sunburned, wind burned and butt sore,


but who cares. It will be a fantastic adventure and life is way short on this kind of thrill.

Write on,

Mittster

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

A Sign of Our Times


Is it just I, or is our great nation learning to live negative and fearful lifestyles? Even during the darkest hours of WWII, the United States of America was positive, optimistic and proud. What happened to the power of positive thinking and living?


What happened to the ability of being grateful for what we have today instead of worrying about what we might lose tomorrow? How many of us are living in fear, waiting for some great catalyst to wipe us off the face of the earth, while, instead, we should be living each minute of every day in joy and celebration that we are alive with a roof over our head and food on the table?


I know it’s easy to blame the negative news reports we are bombarded with daily. It’s even easier to blame all the crap we read and see on the Internet. The world is doomed December 2012. The Mayans predicted it; therefore it is truth. Since when did we start believing in cultures that sacrificed men, women and children to a multitude of gods who were carved from stone? So the Mayans ended their calendar cycle in 2012; I ended mine when I reached the age of fifty, but here I am still alive and grateful.


I remember being taught to think of the future and not live in the present. Well, I have news for you…today is really all we have, so you better live it to the fullest. I plan on celebrating my life and times with joy and happiness, while staying positive no matter what the news. Even in the worst of times, life is precious and unique. I can see, hear, smell and feel the wondrous world around me, but best of all, I can imagine and dream of worlds beyond the senses.


Let us remember that the universe we live in is all about change and that we humans might not be included in that change. That’s where faith comes into play. My faith enables me to know that when I leave this beautiful blue planet, I will go on in the spirit of Devine Love. That fact is the strength behind my positive attitude. But it matters not where the positive attitude comes from, as long as you have one. Without it, you are surely going to be living in a dark, fearful and scary place.


I say it’s time to stand up, dust yourself off, and join me in being a positive and loving person. How can you recognize the positive people? We are the ones with the smiles on our faces!

Write on,

Mittster

Monday, August 29, 2011

The City That Time Forgot

This was sent to me by a friend in northern California. I just had to share.

Wow! Check Out This Old 50's - 60's City.


















These photos are not so ordinary as it might appear at first glance. The fact is that each and every shot is a part of a miniature world carefully constructed and photographed by the amazing artist Michael Paul Smith.





Is this guy a genius or what?

I'm just saying,

Mittster

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Brain Buckets

My friend Nancy Bradley sent me pictures of these cutting edge motorcycle helmets. I find the need to share the next trend in brain protection.


This helmet is for crackers who think watermelon jokes are funny.


This next example is for nuts who like to be thrown up against the wall.


I refuse to believe bowling dweebs even ride motorcycles! No offence, but if the bowling shoe fits - wear it.


Same as above....


I am surrounded by dweebs!


Now you are talking; pool players are solid bike riders.


Pierce this baby!


No more helmet hair...life is good.


Bootie call....


Is it possible to wipe out a brain twice?


This is for riding in states that require helmets. Be prepared to get stopped, and make sure you are not holding. Yes, it is a canine unit....


Not even Flo from the Progressive commercials can beat this hair.


I have no clue as to what the hell this is supposed to be, but I bet the Sun's reflection could blind you. This helmet is probably for Oscar night in Hollywood.

I'm just saying,

Mittster

Friday, August 26, 2011

It Takes a Village (idiot)


I started making a list of things I need to do today, but I lost the list. OK, enough of the list thing. I bought a mini-recorder for daily reminders, but unfortunately, I don’t have a reminder to turn it on and speak into the microphone. The damn thing is still in the truck probably needing a battery because it has been in there since, crap, I don’t remember!


I also bought a daily agenda note book. It would work if I remembered to open it sometime during the day instead of late afternoon so I can then gaze at all the things I forgot to do during the now departed day. It’s also the same with my Rolodex. It doesn’t help to have it sitting on my home office desk while I am in the truck miles away trying to remember the name of a business. I don’t dare call my wife; she washed her hands of my memory, or lack of, years ago. Besides, I would only call her cell by mistake or our home number (again by mistake) and she would know exactly who called and why with call identification later in the day. Then the laughing on her part begins, followed by her single comment, “Idiot.”


To make matters worse, my cell phone battery after three or four years crapped out on me. So I go to the phone store to get a new one. It seems you have to go online to get a new battery now-a-days and they cost more than a new phone with shipping and all. Like a dumb ass, I go for that line and end up with a phone that needs an engineer to operate and, of course, won’t fit into my old case. A couple hundred bucks later, I walk out with a cell that only rings because I haven’t figured out how to answer it yet. I could have asked the sales creep, but I won’t give him the satisfaction of knowing my wife’s term concerning my mental state is accurate.


The hell with modern technology – I am back using sticky pads. Yes, they are stuck everywhere. My wife especially doesn’t like them on the living room furniture that is between me and the wild blue yonder. We have one low profile Chester drawer next to the coat rack that in turn is next to the front door. All my Post-it notes are lined up in a neat row the whole length of the top, and I would have them extending up the coat rack if they would stick, but they don’t, so I don’t.


Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the Golden Years at their best and I can hardly wait for the next phase of life. I think it’s called: “Rolling around in a wheelchair wearing a bib to catch the dribbling while talking to myself and, naturally, answering myself with genuine interest.”


I’m just saying,

Mittster

Thursday, August 25, 2011

The Power of Love


I know my twin brother Walt doesn’t want to discuss his prostate condition much, but I will shout it from the roof top, “His PSA dropped from 240 to 7.4.” Now that is something to shout about!

His chemo is working and he will be trying more new and exciting experimental drugs soon. His doctors are trying to get a grant to pay for all the medications. I guess you could call him a guinea pig, but who cares. Prolonged breathing is a good thing, and everything he is doing will help science someday find a cure for prostate cancer.


I have sent e-mails thanking everyone who prayed and worked for Walt’s recovery. Many people have kept the faith and because of that, he has a fighting chance to live a longer and more meaningful life. I am sure he will crusade for early detection and be a part of the final cure.


Walt has also made the decision not to make our annual motorcycle trip to Durango, Colorado. His doctors have advised him not to go and brother is listening. His body is trying to fight off the cancer and the trip would only aggravate the situation. I am actually much relieved, to say the least. I plan to bring him back pictures of the Colorado high country and a neat T-shirt to boot. If I could, I would bring him back Colorado – but the locals may resist.


For you guys who think you are too tough for prostate exams, think again. You don’t want to go through the alternative. Butch up and get the exam and blood test that can save your life. If you can’t or won’t do it for yourself, do it for a loved one who will have a broken heart watching you succumb to this horrible cancer. Early detection means a long and fruitful life.


I know, something is going to get us in any case – just don’t let it be cancer.

Write on,

Mittster