Ride the waves

On the Road again

2009-10-18T00:46:30Z

Lets see since my last post, I've gained a Son-in-Law, lost someone I knew to H1N1, and drove to California. On the second of Oct my Daughter got married. The man is in the Texas Guard and is readying to deploy by December (for his 3rd time). He was with my Son when he was deployed thats how may Daughter meet him. So now my Sons best friend his also is brother-in-law. A Duchess, an Knight, in my former Kingdom (Caid) contracted the H1N1 and lost her battle with it at the age of 29. Its still hard to believe shes gone. My Mother-in-law had the same surgery I had in 2000 so off to California with the wife to help out till she gets better. Well thats all from the left side of the country. Till later best wishes.

Food

2009-10-04T03:28:48Z

I love watching "The Food Network" and "Diners, Drive-ins, an Dives" is a favorite show. Friday there was a place named Stoney Creek Inn and it was only about 30 miles away. They specialize in Chesapeake Blue Crab so Saturday off we went. OMG! As a starter we had a combo of Crab balls, potato wedges, an chicken strips. Now I'm not a big crab fan but the crab balls were good an the breading on the chicken was great. As it was lunch we decided to share a dish so as an entree we ordered Orange Ruffy stuffed with the Inns Crab Imperial. There were 2 nice size fillets of fish and a good protion of the crab. I would never have been able to finish this by myself and the wife and I just barely finished it. Will we go back? You better believe it. That evening we went to a friends to test a feast menu for an event in 2 weeks. It was wonderful. We had a great day of food today.

Tomorrow I have a poker ride for the American Legion Riders. I hope the weather stays good for it.

On the Road

2009-09-14T03:21:20Z

A little late but we made a bike trip over Labor day, 509 miles round trip, back up to Amish country in PA. It was a little interesting because we had where we started and were we were going and everything else was by the seat of our pants. We started out 2 hours late because when I started the bike it flooded but was able to get it going finally and didn't have that problem the rest of the trip. We were going to ride up the Eastern shore but because of the late start didn't want to try the Bay Bridge, maybe next time. We traveled country highways except from York to Lancaster PA going and 695-95-295 through Baltimore coming back. The weather was good till Monday when it was overcast and cold to chill. At one point the wife called the daughter and was told the sun was shining at home. Well that didn't last because 14 miles from home it was like buckets of cold water were dumped on our heads, 5 days later my boots were still damp (note to self wet weather gear needed). The only problem we had was Sunday evening. We went riding North to Reading and I was fine on the bike but had a problem standing (my back) when we stopped. When we got back to the BnB I jumped into a hot bath. Deb went in after me and while waiting I laid down an fell asleep. Well I was wiped out and so we didn't go out for dinner which made the wife mad as she doesn't drive motorcycles.

I have been laid up this last week with bad pain been pushing down first the Tramadol, messing my stomach up bad, then Percocet. I don't think it was the bike trip but the weather. We have had a rainy week an I'm wondering if that didn't affect my back. Needless to say I didn't do much the last week. I just hope this week is better.

We are headed to California as my Mother-in-Law is having the same back surgery as I did on the 12th of Oct.

WoW

2009-09-03T01:30:15Z

Wow we've had the bike for 90 days and 3,000 miles, of which I've rode about 1,300 of that. So its time for an oil change and general maintenance. I wanted to take it yesterday but that didn't happen. It was running real rough Monday night, go figure. So the bike wouldn't start for the boy this morning. Drove him to the Metro and when I returned tried to start it and it still wouldn't go. The shop sent a rolloff to pick it up and it arrived about 1700. The bike is parked in the carport and the Van is parked in the driveway. Our driveway has a gradual sloop so we just need a little front brake till we pass the end of the Van then cut to the right. Then left and drive out of the driveway. I heard the rolloff pull up so I went out and got on the bike to roll it down. I said watch I'm going to try it and because the rolloff was here it would start, well it didn't so I was happy because it normally my luck it would have. I get it down and start to roll it to the street and the driver comes up and ask's f it would start. I said the boy and I tried in the am and I just tried but to humor him I flipped the kill to on and pressed the starter and wouldn't you know it started right up, not happy. When I killed the engine to get my gear it did backfire. So I had a nice ride and its in the shop getting ready for the road trip.

Open road

2009-08-14T02:51:54Z

How many know what happens to a 2 wheel vehicle when the rear wheel is locked by to much pressure on the pedal. Well the wife and I found out Saturday the 8th. We were on a poker run to support the local VA home. We hooked up with 4 other bikes at the first stop and were doing good till about 5 miles from the last stop. We were on a country highway and we were coming up on a stop light. I was bringing up the tail ( a spot I like because I can see what everyone is doing). The lead was half way through the intersection, the 2nd bike was in the intersection also when the light went to Yellow, so they went through along with bike 3. I see this and speed up but I notice the bike ahead is stopping so I push the rear bake pedal. Now for the answer to the question at the beginning, the rear wheel locks and then tries to pass the front wheel. So here is the wife and I with the back wheel locked and starting the slid toward the front tire at 50-55 mph. To correct this you take pressure off the brake, which I did, but the bike wobbles, which i corrected. I then noticed that I was going to hit the bike in front of me so I veered off. I realized i wasn't going to be able to stop so ended up running a red light. The other bright spot was there was a huge pickup waiting to turn onto the highway. If they had turned I would have made impact just behind the door at about 30 mph. It was truly one of those Oh Shit moments. We finished the ride, didn't win, and are ready to do it again, well every thing but the locking brakes part.

Health and riding

2009-07-26T21:26:27Z

OUCH, OUCH, OUCH, was really thinking the F word. Did the EMG on Friday. Both legs and arms then the Doc came in and had me lay on my stomach. Next thing I know shes sticking me with a needle, about 12 times, from head to foot. Wednesday we get the results.

On the Cycle front I was finally able to make contact with the American Legion Riders. I had been trying since the start of June. The wife suprised me Saturday as she agreed to get behind me on the Bike. Turned out good as we did about 120 miles and visited 1 wildlife refuge and a county park along the Patuxent River. Today I did another 50 miles and only uesd 3.5 gallons of gas (premium). So we got almost 48 miles to the gallon, how great was that.

Defending the Caveman plus

2009-07-21T21:55:19Z

Seen this 1 man play for the second time Sunday, its HiLARIOUS. It was just as good as the first time.

My Doc at Walter Reed referred me to Neurology at the end of March. Well I finally seen one last Friday, a civilian as there was no way I was getting into see a military Nero Doc. She doubled 1 med an gave me 4 more plus wanted an EMG. For those that don't know an EMG is where the either stick you with needles or hook up electrodes then SHOCK you. Tried on Saturday with no luck, just couldn't get passed the SHOCK part. We are going to try again Friday this time I'll be drugged with valium.

Had a good 4-5 hour ride of over 80 miles.

Riding

2009-07-06T13:08:22Z

Since I got my license, and Sam rides the bike to work, I've been just riding in the neighborhood. That changed yesterday with several short rides around the county for a total of 41 miles and speeds up to 60-65 mph. I have been looking for storage for the bike as there are no saddle bags, well i found and because there are 2 of us Sam needed to see the options before buying. Around noon we headed for the DC Harley store, the only place that had bags that I had found, a ride of about 5 miles. The store has 3 sections, main area is parts and street clothing. To the left is helmets, riding clothes and jewelry. To the right is the show room and bike stuff. Like any place you have to browse the merchandise as you walk through and the kid spotted a bike. Now trying to get him to look at the bags was rough when there was a bike that has caught his eye just feet away but I managed. There were 3, 2 looked like carry on luggage and the other looked like a duffel bag. I was like the movie UP, nice bag several pockets BIKE, big enough for helmets Bike, you get the idea. Couldn't get him to focus on the bags without BIKE happening so dragged him to the riding clothes area as he wants a vest. He's so small that a small is to big so we had no luck. We finally got a bag and headed out the store, what should have been 30-45 minutes ended up being 2 hours because BIKE kept happening. Now for a late lunch, so I got to ride about 20 miles to the restaurant. We did some shopping close by before heading home. On the way home I got the experience of rain hitting me at 60 mph which add to the riding day.It was a great day my first ride out of the neighborhood, with speeds up to 65 mph, and 5-6 hours out of the house, so shortly after getting home my body started screaming sleep but I held out till 2200 hrs.

ldkarl @ 2009-06-21T19:07:00

2009-06-21T23:13:10Z

Well I think I found my Bike. Woke up to rain so the SCA event wasn't going to happin for me. On my way to pick up my new glasses I seen a sign for Victory Motorcycles so off we went. Now I'm really torn. I've looked at Yamaha.

Harley

and Victory

The top is fully loaded at 19K the Harley and Victory are around 25k. its time to save the change because I'm torn between the Harley and Victory (both American built).

Woo Hoo

2009-06-01T01:47:53Z

Tomorrow between 0830 and 0900 I'll be a licensed motorcycle rider. Passed my test with flying colors today.

The Road

2009-05-25T17:55:26Z

After almost 40 years of ... gee riding a motorcycle would be nice I jumped. The son has been gripping lately that he wants a bike. He has no credit history so what he wants is out of his price range, typical youngin has to have it now. In going with him looking I seen a used cruiser cheap and hes willing to ride it so here we go. We split the down payment and I will be making the payments, the bike is mine after all, to help his credit so when he goes to buy his he'll have some credit.

Now to become legal. The local Community College offers a riders course, you pass and you go to the DMV plop down your cash and they give you a license to drive a cycle. The class was 4 hours on Friday night, 9 hours on Saturday, and 6 hours Sunday with a written and riding test. The written test was 50 questions the boy missed 2 but I beat him by only missing 1. There was 4 parts to the riding test, the boy only had 1 point deducted, me I wasn't so lucky I had 16 (you pass at 15). This means I go back next Sunday and ride again, bummer. We pickup the bike tomorrow as soon as the boy gets his license so I'll get some practice before the test. The only problem, and not a bad one, is the school bikes are 250cc's my bike is 1300cc's. We will go to where the test is given to practice and if I can do it on the big bike the small will be a piece of cake.

Health

2009-02-24T21:03:47Z

Well Saturday was the 5th for my foot problem and I missed the event. I was suppose to help in the kitchen and feel bad for missing it. I am walking without help (crutches) but am very slow. Monday during our weekly appointment the fire alarm went off. Now we are on the 3rd floor and I have trouble desending stairs anyway so it took me awhile to reach the bottom but I did it. Went to a book store after as I'm out of reading material. Went to bed shortly after arriving home, I had been up around 48 hours at that point. The pain woke after only a couple of hours so I took a percocet and was up till 2am before being able to sleep again. Tuesday and I'm back with the crutches, and mainly in bad, because of all the walking yesterday but I hope it's just for the day.

health

2009-01-28T23:29:41Z

Seems like its all going down hill in 2009. Woke up on the 24th and my ankle was slightly sore. Went to the Amish market in Annapolis then to BJ's in Bowie. 4 hours of walking made my ankle worse. woke up Sunday and was in so much pain I had the wife drive me to Andrews AFB ER. They were of very little help, did give me a script for percocet. Monday tried to get an appoint with my primary care at WRAMC, 3 weeks. The ankle has been so sore that I've been immoble and I've been going through my pain patches and T3s fast. Was going to go to Hospital yesterday but the snow fouled that up so I'm going to try tommorow. The only upside is I should be able to tie this to the back/nerve problem which means an increase in my VA disability rating.

I've also noted that some of my friends LJ entries are not showing up on my friends page.

Beginning of a new year

2009-01-18T11:31:41Z

First: was in a lot of pain and running late one day and decided to trim my beard. Did a sloppy job so a couple days later re-trimed, this time very short. Its OK but need to let it grown more. The end of year was a downer. Starting at 1200 on the 23 December my back started to hurt. by sundown I was flat with meds and heating pad. The wife tried several times to get me to the VA ER but I wouldn't go. As a family holiday thing we made reservations at a restaurant called "Fogo de Chao" (for those that have never heard of it it is an all you can eat meat place. They give you a coaster that is red on one side and green on the other. As long as the green side is up they bring meat, 12-14 different cuts) for the 26th. I wasn't going to go until 2 hours before our reservation when I decided to. On the drive home the wife again mentined the ER so off we went.

Veteran Affairs ER is such a lovely place (roll my eyes). Arrived at 1700 hrs and was asked my pain level which I said was 8 out of 10. 2 hours later my vitals were finally taken. at around 2230 I finally got up and asked about being seen, I was continually told I was next just to see someone else called (the bouncy every 15 minutes checking why they haven't been seen yet type, what was there pain rating 2). I finally said that if I was called in the next 5 minutes or they found me a place to lay I was going to just lay on the floor in front of the desk. Within 5 they had a gurney for me to lay on.

Atlantian 12th Night: Wow. seen a lot of people I hadn't seen in 6 months or more, it was great. Good to see friends recognized with awards. At the start of second court I was going to just stay outside but my wife was "so and so was getting called up to be elevated as a Peer", so in I went. About half way through my name was called. Up I went and as I arrived I did the dumb thing I knelt. Boy was I glad when the King stood to take the medallion as I stood also, almost falling because the legs just couldn't stand the kneeling. When called I had a good idea why but still there was shock when the Herald called the Pearls together. Wanted to stay but the drama meeting just went to long. The next day I was flat on my back again.

In more current news a friend posted that his house was on fire. I hope that everything works out and if I can be of help he'll contact me.

Spamalot

2008-11-17T02:39:31Z

Went Saturday (Nov 15 2008) to see the play Spamalot. If you enjoyed the movie "MP and the Holy Grail" this is better. We went to a matinee show so all the understudies were on stage but it was still worth it. Talking to the wife during the show that from where we sat (a good 75 yards) 1 of the Knights looked like Timoch and one of the others Bryce de Byram. Found out that 2 people I know from Caid (Southern Cali) were caught up in the fires and are in a burn unit with second degree burns. My best wishes to them.

Old Friends

2008-10-23T03:12:39Z

Haven't posted in awhile. Currently I'm in my birth state, Illinois. So I haven't been to an Atlantian event in awhile and was floored to find out that a friend, landed Baron, was going to step down. I understand his reasons why. Reading his LJ entry, and frinds comments I was able to link up with friends now living in An Tir. Life is good and I'll be back in DC soon but don't know for how long.

another year

2008-08-23T06:51:23Z

Last Year I said no more, so today is not my brithday as I am not having any more!!!! I just had to many health issues, and still do, last year so I called it quites on the birthdays at 50!

War????

2008-08-05T13:52:21Z

With the news that the East, our ally, giving all the war points to the Midrealm, our enemy, I knew is was time to pack and head home. My back was given me problems, causing me to snap at the wife a couple of times, and I had seen most of the people that I went to see. So the war point thing wasn't the only thing that caused me to leave.

Blahs

2008-07-30T05:01:28Z

Well for those that know what this time of year means I'm still at home and not camping. I woke Saturday with exteme pain. I was almost unable to stand upright when I walked so a 4-5 hour drive was out of the question. So here I am still and home and having a painful time. As it is it's 0100 hrs and with percocet in me I'm stll awake. It has also got me thinking about the Atlantian Greater A&S Order and what they look at when they decide on when the poll for membership. I think I'll leave this for after Pennsic. My son Thor is there and according to the wife our tents are up and ready for our arrival. Can't wait. The place we are camping is the same place as Pennsic 33 only with another group. Last year was the only time in the last 5 Pennsics that I haven't camped in that area.

Time

2008-06-28T02:24:10Z

I thought it was about time to change the look of my journal. You'd think that wearing cloths that looked like this almost every day for 8-10 years I'd pick something different, nothing caught my eye so this is what I picked (at least for the time). Pennsic is right around the corner, can't wait. Have free tickets to see the Balt. Orioles on the 5th and they aren't nose bleds. only way to watch Baseball is at the park. Seen the trainer last week and I've lost a couple more percent of body fat now if I could make the gym 3 times a week for more than 3-4 weeks.

Life

2008-06-12T15:51:30Z

Wow life has been interesting since my last post. Went to Japan and Illinois, had another MRI (thats 4 since last November), Cat Scan, Sam (Thor) is back and will be home Saturday. Went to Japan and met some of the wife's family, it was a very hectic time but overall enjoyable. Visited six cities and did over 1000 miles of rail travel, several hundred by auto, and walked an average of 6-7 miles a day doing it. I went to Illinois to check on a tavern with the finale outcome being to make it a brew pub. Found a good prospect but the numbers from the bussiness just didn't seem right so am still looking. SCA participation is low but am working on my conditioning. Am going to try to do more fighting at Pennsic this year.

Been awhile

2008-04-06T10:07:53Z

often lately time slips away from me. Several weeks ago someone tha I called Uncle for several years and was the father of the cousins that I hung out with pass away. Now I've a problem when I play me John Hartford CD. His name was Burly but everyone called him Jr. He spent a lot of time on the Mississippi in recent years so this one is for him

The song "Annual Waltz" gets me and now this one will most often bring a tear as I listen.

health

2008-03-22T07:18:38Z

The ridge behind my ear has been bothering me off and on for years, maybe decades. By the time I was able to see the Doc it wouldn't be hurting any more so I got the gold bricking routine. Well its been very persistent in recent months so I finally managed to see the doc while it was still bothering me. Last wednesday I had a Cat scan, can add tat to the 3 MRIs in recent months, so now its just getting an appointment to find out the results.

Gulf Wars

2008-03-17T07:30:07Z

I'm home again. My fighting this year wasn't as good as 2 years ago but was better than last. I did miss the ravine and bridge battles and of course the Fort on saturday. Made an alliance with a friend from Trimaris. The weather was good, mild rain one night and a very light sprinkle on Friday morning. Cold at night, needed a bed warmer will work on it for next year. Seen several people from Caid which was great. Over all a B+

The VA.and other things

2008-03-04T09:51:01Z

Well its 4am but I haven't been up all night. awoke about 3:30 and couldn't get back to sleep so I decided to get on the computer. Well after being prescribed lidocane patches almost a month ago I finally received them, and they are working. Again I had to call to find out that the patches where on their way to my house, plus they tried to make me pay for them even though I'm service connected with this disabilitty.

Went to the Ortho surgeon and am looking at letting them do my elbow in the fall/early winter.

Kingdom Arts and Science Festival was Saturday. Wow we had 4 great brewers entered in the Royal Brewers competition and anyone had the talent to take it. We had 3 perfect scores and several 99s. In the end, with 2 of the perfect scores I was named Royal Brewer again. Need to start brewing more again.

OK Justus here goes;

This brings a tear to my eye especially since I found out John has pass from this life.