this page intentionally left blank

I think about posting here in erratic bits and pieces. Often these days, it will be a week before I remember that I forgot. If that makes any sense at all. I was leading the way to Jesse Jones Nature Center the other day for EL and the kids. I was on my bike and they were following in her car. As we progressed through the lights along the stretch of 1960 between Interstate 45 and the Deerpark area, I was continually getting pelted with debris from the road. It was getting old fast. Just as my irritation was peaking, I found myself at the pole position of a particularly straight section of road when the light turned red. As I watched the pelters fade away in the distance, I knew that (at least for the immediate future) the sandblasting would remain missing in action subsequent to the changing of the colors. Eagerly, I waited on the light. I knew it was coming soon. Tick tock. Green. I can't speak to the accuracy of my bikes stated stock configuration achieving 60 mph from a dead stop in less than three seconds because I wasn't counting. I can however state without a shadow of doubt that when you shift into second while in the power band, the 630 pound beast will rear it's ugly head off the pavement from the sheer torque. My first wheelie and I didn't even mean it. After a brief stop at the park, I went on to the Yamaha dealer for an oil change and diagnostic. There was a short in the high beam switch that was preventing the headlight from illuminating. Nothing like $62.00/hr labor to get your juices flowing when there isn't any coffee handy, eh? As I waited for the work to be completed, I sat and watched this man caress a small enduro style motorcycle from knobby front wheel to rear. He touched every exposed inch of the bike as he discussed features and price with the salesman. He inserted his finger into the exhaust orifice and smelled it as if to check for the leanness of recent operation. He gauged the tread height and sidewall thickness. He sized the engine with his hands in every orientation. He spoke of how he'd been wanting this bike for some time and how "today was the day if the numbers were right". They worked a deal to put slightly bigger tires on the bike to improve handling at no charge as they had them in stock. He was elated. He was taking this motorcycle home! It wasn't until the deal was done and delivery was being arranged that I noticed the collapsed white cane at his feet. You can do anything if you put your mind to it. The fourth of July was a day like any other. I didn't wear red, white, and blue... but it was in my heart. I'm not a big fireworks fan. Don't get me wrong, I like the pretty colors and the rumbles and booms, but they misrepresent the meaning of the day in my opinion. They create litter for the environment to deal with and atmospherically damaging combustion byproducts. They are expensive, toxic, and generally misused by the majority which makes them inherently dangerous. All that aside, EL and I took Urs and Sandra to The Woodlands for the display. It was fun to get out and do something different. Downtown Houston claimed to have the largest fireworks display in the United Stated this year. I don't know if there is any truth to that, but I'm sure it was significantly larger than the already overdone bit we saw up north. Happy Independence Day... it really was. I get all emotional around the flag anyway, but the inspirational music enveloping a magnificent pyrotechnic event staged behind a waving flag illuminated in the foreground. It was nearly too much for me. I'm working from home this afternoon after squandering my lunch break at the tax assessor's office. Oh joy. What a kooky place wait in line. I hope your days is going better... ciao.