October

I love fall and October is one of my favorite months. This year has been an interesting one with all that's going on. I have been wanting to comment on the election, but it's hard to know where to start. Watching the debates is truly an interesting and frustrating experience. One thing for sure, I'm glad they are done. The amount of delusion in the media is disheartening. The lying that goes on and lack of professionalism is depressing. I don't know how this president can say we are stronger and better than 4 years ago. He is in complete denial. I sure hope America has enough sense to vote to save America with a new leader who knows how to get things done and bring honor and freedom back to America. It's not worth getting into details now and far more effort than I have to give at the moment. Looking forward to the election and being done with all this!
All in all no matter what happens, the only stabilizing comforting fact to hang on to is the fact...God is in control. Nothing that happens here in politics matters to eternity. What's really important is people and relationships..with each other and with God. We know who wins in the end.

October also signals the nearing of the end of bike season for me. It's been a good year biking and I'm sad to be close to hanging up the bike. I'm trying to squeeze in any last little rides when the weather is cooperative. I know some ride into the freezing weather but I'm not quite that hardcore.
This summer I aimed for 500 miles and went over 1000. I biked in and through 8 cities, seen countless beautiful sights and sadly numerous roadkill things from tiny frogs and turtles to birds, squirrels, raccoon, and even one HUGE turtle. I've seen many deer and a wolf (or coyote, not sure) cross my path, and screamed out at almost running over several snakes. (Did you know squirrels like to dart in front of bikes as well as cars?...no wonder they get hit so much! so surprised at squirrels darting in front of me) I've gotten dusty, wet feet, sun beaten and rained on. Battled winds and energy draining humidity and collapsed once barely making it to shade on the side of the road. Listened to volumes of music and come across scores of friendly bikers, runners, walkers, and horseback riders. Gone on dirt roads, side roads, busy roads and lonely roads. My longest single trip was 51 miles and I wouldn't trade all the riding for anything. I'll try to find a way to get through the winter exercising inside and look forward to dusting off the bike next spring. I'm glad to have rediscovered the joy of biking. It's such a freeing experience and turns ho hum to yee haa. I have my special little buddy to thank for that...getting me biking at the end of last summer, and liking car rides so much that I ended up using those routes on many of my rides.
I plan to soak in all the remaining fall before we get buried in snow. Winter's not sooo bad..just lasts too long :)