General – Page 9 – The Laughing Wolf

The New Bike

A few weeks ago, I asked for your suggestions on a new bicycle, and several of you made a lot of good suggestions and points. I’ve been looking around and visited several shops, at least two of which had dogs as their top salespeople. In fact, visited two of the shops more than once while looking and researching.

The lead sales force where I bought my new bike

So, last Saturday I went and re-learned how to ride a bike. My balance and coordination weren’t all that great (IMO) before the lightning strike, but definitely took a hit from it (pun intended) and having vertigo issues hasn’t helped. But, with some quick coaching and encouragement, and skipping some near misses of light poles and such, I was able to ride again.

I also rode an e-bike for the first time and found it interesting. It had a throttle and other controls that made it more like a motorcycle than a bicycle. It was different and once I got used to it, not unpleasant.

After riding it, one of the humans at the shop talked with me about things I needed to consider: mobility, carrying, ease of use, and a few other things. Mobility dealt with being able to get on and off a bicycle, and the fact that at my age who knows what additional mobility issues I may face in the future. So, they strongly suggested a step-through design (similar to girls bikes in the 50s and 60s). Being able to easily pick up whatever I got, for putting it on a bike rack on a bus or car, or to carry it around an obstacle, was also a consideration. There were a few other considerations for a person my age, and we covered them.

The e-bike I secretly wanted, though it lists for what a good used car would run.

Then he showed me around the shop and made a recommendation on one of the brands they sold. It was an e-bike, Urtopia brand, but one very different from the one I had ridden earlier. In fact, it hit several of my non-physical/preparedness considerations.

Unlike a number of e-bikes, you can ride it without the electronics charged. In fact, on my test ride, I started out with zero assist and still managed to easily get it up above 20 mph (on a flat/level surface) just using the regular gearing (8 speed). No throttle, start your ride just like a regular bike. The frame is carbon fiber, so I could easily pick it up even with the artificial shoulders. The tires are not super-wide, but are large and can handle streets, gravel, and dirt. Not sure about sand or a beach, but that’s not likely anyway. It also has a built-in security system that I can engage remotely if needed.

The range for the powered side is roughly 70-80 miles, and I don’t know how fast it goes yet as just the second level of assist gets me going faster than I care to handle right now (25-30 mph range). I still haven’t taken it above 2, and it’s going to be a while before I engage the (no joke) turbo mode.

It truly was fun to ride and reminded me a bit of the Raleigh Record from my youth. I do have to remember to squeeze both breaks, as they are apparently pneumatic and work very well. My steering and balance need work, a lot of work, but that will hopefully improve with more riding.

With it, I got what is supposed to be a very good helmet (Smith) with a rechargeable light on the back to aid with visibility. Helmet itself is florescent yellow. The shop also installed a mirror for me and it does help. Security is provided through a bar-lock system (linked metal bars) that folds up and attaches to a carrier mounted on the frame. There is a bag on the back rack that has fold-out side pockets that drop down and can hold larger items and/or a fair amount of groceries. You can get a lot into that little bag, and you can also take the bag with you when you leave the bike, it even has a shoulder strap for that purpose.

Me being me, I’ve also attached a rescue strobe to the bag to help with visibility. Of course, if anyone doesn’t see my fat fluffy rump they are too blind to be driving IMO… I also want to find a way to mount a Streamlight tac light (or larger light even) to the handlebars for an improved front light. What comes with it isn’t bad, but when you need light I really would rather have the power of a Streamlight.

Yes, I did pay more than I would have liked. Then again, I also remember when a top line bicycle cost just $200. As it is, got some good discounts and the new bike was actually less expensive that one of the used rental bikes. It also fits into the bike racks on the IndyGo bus, which gives me a lot more flexibility in travel. For all that I don’t mind a good walk, the bike gives me savings in time as well as in the distance I can cover.

Plan to check out battery life and such here over the next few weeks. The security system does draw power all the time, so need to keep an eye on how that effects things. Then again, static life may not be an issue. I rode it home from downtown Indy the day I bought it, and yesterday after doctor and groceries, took it out along the Pennsy Trail for a few miles. Stopped at a place I’d wanted to check out for a while, and accidentally left it fully on while I was inside. Even with that, battery level only dropped a notch or two.

Indy does have a network of trails for pedestrians and bicycles based on old railroad lines. Looking at using a couple of them for shopping and such where I don’t need my cart but can use the bike bag and/or a backpack. There are a couple of places I like to go, but require a bus change where you can wait thirty or more minutes for the second bus. I can hop over to one of the trails on my bike and get where I want to go in less time than that.

I just wish the Wally World and Meijers closest to me had secure bicycle “parking” as I can easily reach them using one trail in a faster time than by bus. Security is key for me, as right now I can’t afford to replace it and need to look at some insurance to cover it just in case. I also need to look at pulling my elbow and knee pads out of the deployment bag as they might come in handy. So far I haven’t fallen and haven’t run into anything, but who knows. Better safe than sorry.

Other thing that will be ongoing is getting the seat adjusted perfectly. It probably needs to come up at least another inch, but we decided to keep it where it is for now until some of the balance issues with starting/stopping ease up. The one thing I think does need to be done is tilt it down just a hair so that it is a bit more comfortable. Few more rides, and we will see.

Having a bike, even an e-bike, is good for my physical conditioning as it is a workout if done right. It also will save me a good bit of time in running small errands without having to walk, wait on busses, and other such joys. Finally, it will let me cover far more distance than just bus or via leather personnel carriers. So, buying it hurt my inner Jack Benny, but it looks to be a very good investment. That it should also help with recovering more balance and coordination is the cherry on top.

More on this adventure as it develops. Onwards.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

I’m Back

At least sorta. I needed the week after Holy Week to recover on several levels, and am still taking it easy this week where I can. I’m also doing some discernment on some things as I want to be sure I am doing the right thing, at the right time, and for the right reasons.

Along those lines, I’ve accepted/decided that, barring something very unexpected, I will not be able to make the Lightning Strike/Electrical Shock Survivors association annual meeting this year. The transportation costs were just too high, and were going to be at least $1,200+ So, right now looking at ways to get down to visit family and friends in Chattanooga and Georgia some other way. What funding I did have for this had to go into a local transportation option (see next post). One day I will get to attend it.

Had a visit with my GP yesterday, and it went very well. While I was just a shade low on red blood cells and hemoglobin (eating more greens prescribed), the other numbers were fantastic. Cholesterol low, bad cholesterol very low, kidneys excellent, liver excellent, digestive system much happier now that I am back on a Mediterranean-influenced keto diet. Already down a couple of inches and several pounds. For now, trying to stay with two meals a day, no snacking, and Lenten portions as that seems to work very well.

So, GP and Cardiologist happy. We may even be looking at reducing or eliminating a couple of the meds I’ve been on. The less meds, with good results, the better. Some more neuro testing coming up in June, will be interesting to get those results.

Onwards!

A Blessed Week(s)

I’m very remiss on this and apologize. It has been a touch hectic around here, as I’m Chanting at multiple services and occasionally helping out with some other things. That said, should have done this much sooner.

I want to wish everyone a Blessed Holy Week, and a Wonderful and Blessed Pascha! Easter if you prefer. And may the Bright Week that follows truly be bright with joy.

For my friends of an older faith, I am modifying my usual greeting for something I saw that may be a bit more modern: Chag Pesach kasher vesame’ach. If that’s not right, I’m sure I will hear about it. 🙂

Things are about to accelerate, and Bright Week will be rather full. Regular posting may resume during it, but no guarantees. I’m going to take at least a couple of weeks off from Chanting after this to let me and my voice recover.

Bike: Thoughts And Suggestions?

I’m looking at getting a bicycle to aid in getting around town. Part of me wants a cargo bike, but those cost as much as a car, even used. I will admit I’m even looking at an e-bike so I can cover a fair bit of territory at need.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I know things have changed a bit since the days of my much-missed Raleigh Record, but need something sturdy, probably larger tires given the road and other conditions around here, and that I might can mount saddlebags and a back deck onto. Given some of the drivers around here, defensive auto-cannons might not be a bad option.

Found one place not far away that lets you rent bikes to try on nearby trails before purchasing. Seems like a good idea for me to try a couple and be sure the vertigo and other delights don’t preclude me from riding a bike after the lightning strike.

Any constructive thoughts and suggestions are most welcome. I know little these days about brands of regular or other bikes. Have found some places that sell used, plan to check them out too once I do some investigating and trials.

SQT: Random

Okay, I would say sorry for not posting more but it is Lent, there is a lot going on in the important world, and the alleged “real” world has taken last place. Some posts I want to do, but things are going to be interesting between now and Pascha. Don’t expect to see much of me at all during Holy Week. Right now, looks like I will be chanting or otherwise occupied for about ten straight days, and I am reserving the Monday following for recovery.

First up, there were some sensational reports of one of Vladimir’s cars “blowing up” from some of the pundit (grifter) class on X. I couldn’t find any reputable sourcing for the claim. Which may be because apparently one of the fleet of cars available to Vladimir (and possibly others) caught fire and burned. It happens. In this case, everything seems to point to normal, not abnormal reasons.

Second up, there appears to be some interesting maneuvering going on behind the scenes in Moscow. I’ve noted before that the curtain is up as they try to keep things out of the public eye, but some signs still get through. As efforts to bring about peace in Ukraine advance, I suspect more will get seen in public. Really do need to do a full post as many seem to be missing some key points. Someone remind me please.

Third, it really doesn’t matter which scenario on the Signal leak was right (though some others have come out in support of it being deliberate) as the net result is that Jeffrey Goldberg (and quite likely The Atlantic) are toast. The move has already started on the left, which while somewhat endorsing him and what he did, the pull back has already begun. Distancing is a thing, and if you pay attention to the patterns, it is well underway on the left. I suspect it will get stronger. There will be a pretense of support, of membership/friendship, but the cooling that is underway will only turn colder over time. Add in the fact that sources are noting his actions, and his ability to get any form of inside scoops is going to take a hit. Is probably already taking a hit. My bet right now is that absent something major (and unexpected) he’s faded away in five years.

Fourth, note the attack shifts underway. On the Signal non-issue, it went from demanding to know who did it to attacking Pete as soon as possible. It’s not the only such change in targeting. Call it out, point it out, make it impossible to miss. Corporate media is all in on it, and such needs to be pointed out to the normies (if you will).

Fifth, same is being done in regards the deportations. The new cry is “due process” where no due process will be good enough. Media and politicians are gleefully lying in unison via leaving out key bits of information (for example, a judge had found the “innocent father” was a member of MS-13 years ago) in what they say and pitch. Again, this needs to be pointed out frequently, loudly, etc.

Sixth, same is being done in the Tesla terrorism. Saw one about ‘a life ruined for a piece of gum.’ No, it was ruined because the person made the choice to become a terrorist and the damage was above a certain dollar amount. It had nothing to do with free speech or gum chewing, everything to do with willful and deliberate actions. Again, point out, call out, mock, and shame.

Seventh, same is being done with Social Security. It has been stated directly and unequivocally that the Admin is going to protect (and strengthen) Social Security and Medicaid. No surprise at the politicians wasting no time in claiming that Trump, Musk, Bigfoot, and the Loch Ness Monster are all out to destroy both and put our elderly out into the cold. Again, call it out.

I could go on, but, you get the idea. Those online a good bit know, those who sanely and rationally are not terminally online do not. Help get the word out to them, as it does indeed make a difference. We are in a fight for our Freedoms and our Republic. Winning is far from guaranteed, and it takes fighting on many fronts. The information front is critical, be a part of the good fight.

I’m out of time this morning, so will skip a few other things. Imperial judges and an out-of-control judiciary (enabled by a rotten congress) are one topic. Lots of good science news out there too. Love the new polar-orbit manned mission from Space X. About time.

For those interested, I had my first session with a vocal coach yesterday as part of my efforts to re-learn how to sing (and read music) after the lightning strike. In fact, the coach took me on in part because of the issues as they found them fascinating. Quick takes from the first visit is that I am indeed a bass-baritone, lower range is quite good, going to have to do a lot of work to extend my range back up into tenor. Once we get that going, we will work other issues. Everything from posture to how I’m standing are being worked on. Frankly, it was fun and I had a great time singing in my good range.

Tomorrow is multiple services at Church, so not sure I will be posting. Thursday maybe. Friday no, as I have homework. If I didn’t mention it before, I’m learning how to plot out Vespers, Matins, and Liturgies. Right now, plotting out what is done, by whom, and when takes me a good bit of time. I need to get to the point where I can do it in right around an hour. Given that it involves multiple reference books, it is complex. If I haven’t told the larger story, remind me and I will do so for anyone interested. Saturday, well, who knows.

Oh, and for those who want to show off by having histrionics over typos or grammar issues, I simply will point out that we should see how well YOU do after you are hit by lightning. I will add that you are not covering yourself in glory or showing how smart you are, except in a very Fredo way.

More soon.

Thank You!

I just want to say thank you to two people who were very kind to me.

I really would like to try a lifestraw out on a hiking/camping trip. If some things work out, I’m looking at maybe trying something like that this summer. As for the book, I’ve enjoyed Gad Saad’s writings and commentary online and am looking forward to reading this one day soon. May not be immediate as my stack of unread books is getting a bit big and needs to be whittled down.

Thanks to both of you for doing this. It is very much appreciated!

Also, this may be my Friday post. The current plan is for me to be at Church most of Friday doing some liturgical homework. I’m in the process of learning how to figure some parts of the liturgy out and being sure that we are set for them. It’s been an adventure and what I thought would be a simple thing (it was a simple question that led to this) is anything but.

More soon I hope.

Take Care Of Yourselves

Non-political today, but a suggestion and a warning all the same.

You are your best and only true health advocate. Your health is up to you.

Writing this as I got the news this morning that a high school classmate had died, apparently dropping dead from an ‘unexpected’ heart attack. Hate to say this, but that rarely is the case as most often there were symptoms that either weren’t followed-up on or didn’t get a push from a doctor. Fact is, I know too many people that have had to push their doctors on heart issues, cancer, and more.

No, doctors don’t like being pushed but too bad. Push. It’s YOUR life that is at stake.

Even if you have to do it out-of-pocket, a lot of places offer a very inexpensive heart scan that can save your life. You can even get them for free quite often. Lot’s of places and organizations offer free or inexpensive cancer screenings of various types. Such can be a quick way to get the jump on things, as cancer is one of those where the earlier you start to deal with it the better the odds.

You need to be pro-active, aggressive even, on your health. Remember, you know your body far better than your regular doctor. If something seems off, it likely is. Get it checked out. Don’t let it get you checked out of life.

When I tell you to be careful out there, just remember that there are many threats to our lives, health, and safety. Heart disease, cancer, and other such delights are part of that. Be careful, be safe, and make sure your body truly is ready for anything.

Random Thoughts On A Friday

Not sure I am up to a full post today, but did want to share a few thoughts while I could. More on the personal in a bit. For now…

I’m unsurprised at the rash of SWATtings going on right now. It has long been a favored tactic of progressives and is effective. Sadly, it has even resulted in deaths. Those behind these really do hope for that I fear, but also seem to think it will intimidate people. I think they are wrong about that, and they should stop to think that if there is a death the FBI may be the least of their worries.

It is interesting that so far, the majority of those being swatted are on various enemies lists coming out of Ukraine. This is not to suggest Ukraine is behind it, but that the lists do make a good “shopping list” for some of the more unstable on the progressive side. Sending the pizzas (again, it appears that all of those SWATted have had pizzas show up right after, that are ordered prior to the event) is a message.

Frankly, I’m surprised there hasn’t been more violence. People who are having their rice bowls kicked over seldom like it, and when you see the system that you and yours have spent generations (keep in mind, a lot of this started under Woodrow Wilson) building up, and achieved unprecedented growth in the last twenty years (astronomical during the past four), you tend to be a little upset. Particularly if you are not in the top tier. They are upset, but have fallbacks. The next tier down does not have those same levels of fall back as they were still building.

If you are midway (or further) down, it’s worse and that’s also usually where you find your true believers and less-stable people. They are in the worst shape and are going to be far more likely to do rash things. This is the group you see on social media calling for assassinations and actually taking part in attacking Tesla and Tesla owners. They make good cannon fodder and will be used as such. See my earlier post this week for some background.

I will say that the SWATting needs to be dealt with quickly and strongly. So do the many other instances of law breaking underway (building takeovers, movement blocks, etc.) but those are mostly dependent on local action. However, SWATting, as it uses interstate communications, can get Federal help and the FBI is now assisting. It also has the ability to prosecute on it’s own if needed. We will see. It needs to be prosecuted as the attempted pre-meditated murder it is. If that is done, you will see it drop to almost zero rapidly.

I’ve lost track of when Space X is going to try to launch the crew again, but glad they stopped the last launch. For all I loathe the perfect safety culture/no failures club, a manned launch is not something where you want or need to run risks. Hoping they continue to have an unblemished launch record and that they get the “stranded” astronauts home soon.

Going to look at a duplex today, and am following up on some other prospects. Not rushing, but not dwadling (too much) either. I may have to go for larger than I might like, so I can get everything out of storage and get rid of most of it (keeping books, cooking gear, and some Christmas stuff). I want to downsize (except for my books, I want more, more, more).

Looking at a vocal coach to help me with my relearning how to sing. I have sorta relearned to read sheet music, but as with the guitar I can’t tell you the notes I’m playing. Show me where my fingers go and I can play a song on the guitar. If someone hits the first note on a page, I can (mostly) sing the rest. I have problems staying on pitch, and in dealing with some range issues. I’ve actually been singing alto a bit to get by, but tenor/baritone and bass seem to be more my range. Our music director is working with myself and another gentlemen to help us get better, but some extra lessons and help won’t hurt a bit.

If I seem a little off the next few weeks, we are doing a rather significant diet change. I am going back to a keto variant and feeling it. However, given a number of digestive issues and other delights, it needs to be done. A number of foods seem to cause problems, most of which are carbs, so… I may share more of the diet as we work things out.

More soon I hope. Take care of yourselves, be safe, and be prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Back, Sorta

Whew. Last week was intense. It was tiring. It was also flat out amazing. Wonderful, educational, enlightening, and inspirational are also words that apply. I almost lost my voice as I did participate in every service. By the time yesterday rolled around, I was more croaking than chanting (at least at home), but got through it all.

This time last year was what I describe as an “argggghhhhh blur.” I am not sure it matters how long you have attended a given Church, but when you become a formal Catechumen there is so much going on and at such an intensity that you are doing good to see the big blocks start to fit together.

Last week, it was intense but different, and it is hard to describe it. Instead of a blur, everything seemed to flow together, almost like a panorama. I will say that yet more blocks fit together: it was a chance to see how historical events, scripture, and more fit together such that more of the picture of faith is revealed. I thought I had learned a bit about the liturgy but have discovered at least a part of how much more there is to learn. Then again, that applies on all fronts.

There is more to come.

Lite Week/Light Week

I would say I’m sorry not to be posting much this week, but that would be a lie. I do regret it somewhat, but there are more important things in this world than jumping up and down in regards the events and idiocies of this world.

Longtime readers know that last year I joined a new Church. It has been a blessing on so many levels. Besides trying to help out in general as much as I can, I also volunteered as a Chanter. In our Church, Chanters sing (choir) but also do a bit more. Our group of Chanters is a bit different, and in fact our Director refers to it as “a flash choir” since we never know who is going to show up for various services. It’s entirely possible to find oneself the sole chanter for a smaller special service. So, when we do get to practice, we have to learn to sing melody as well as our normal part.

However, we do more than sing. Part of what we do involves reading and knowing what to read and from which source (psaltery, etc.) takes some doing. I, rather foolishly, decided I wanted to know more about this. So, I have found myself buying almost a dozen resource books (not as bad as college text books in price, but…) and starting to learn how to work out the readings and other issues. While not a huge part of this week, I’ve been getting a grounding in some of what lies behind it and being shown how to do some things.

I will admit it is a great way to learn more about the liturgy and scripture. There are different levels of liturgy, as the liturgy for Pascha (Easter) is just a bit more involved than a weekday afternoon liturgy for a particular saint. There are also differences between types of Vespers, Matins, and other special services.

However, what has been my main focus this week are the many special services and liturgies for this the first week of Lent. We are doing at least one service a day, and yesterday we did three different types of service. Tomorrow and Saturday are going to be quite busy as I hope to be able to attend/participate in all of the services. It has been moving, humbling, illuminating, and more so far.

We are also doing something rather fun. It’s not a service, but members signed up to read/chant Psalms every day. Traditionally, Psalms (Psalter) are divided into 20 Karthismata (Kathisma). At the start of Lent, twenty volunteers signed up to read a particular group of Psalms. The next day, you read the next group in rotation. The purpose is for our Church to read/pray the entire Psalms every day. It is also a great way to learn more about the Psalms and appreciate them.

We may be a small Church, but we manage to do a good bit. I’m honored to be a small part of that, and to be able to learn and grow by participating. There is so much to learn, on so many levels.

So, regular posting may not resume until next week. The service(s) are demanding; the body and I have been arguing a bit during this time; and I am not in my late teens/early twenties no matter what my inner self thinks. To be honest, I’m so tired by the time I get home I pretty much just go to bed.

The affairs of the world will have to wait, for Lent is a time for affairs of the soul. It is a time for reflection, repentance, and joy. It is a time to remember that we are all called to be Saints in training, though few of us live up to that. It is a time to work on that.