Registration Wilderness 101 Race Prep

On Wednesday, Chris started his venture up to Central PA loaded to the hilt with everything necessary to run the Wilderness 101. I am still not sure what will be in store for Saturday ~ whatever! Later this afternoon through evening is registration and filling aid station containers. Hug! Ride a little while there and help out.

I am going to get pumped after I have my coffee and nurse my Sierra. No total fall overs last night ~ compensating. Yes, the Vet thinks she has Vestibular Syndrome but needs to see her Monday to give her scripts for motion sickness and prednisone.

I have to remember Bald Eagle maps for the riders from DCNR and some other stuff that keeps leaking from my head.

Canine Relapse ~ Vestibular Syndrome

Well yesterday I was bawling of the thought of having the Vet euthanize Sierra. I have made the decision to have the Vet come to the house if it comes to this. My husband did speak to the Vet yesterday about straps and Sleepytime. I am feeling better today since finding Vestibular Syndrome. It says that many dogs are euthanized because of this syndrome's severity and rapid onset I hope I don't insult anyone trying to self diagnose my dog. I will call the office today to see if I can give her anything and what to do. Difficult walking and keeping balance and laying in one spot. Her problems progressed to head tilt, REM eyes, not eating, drunken balance and difficulty eating. I started thinking that it was affecting both legs so it had to be something else besides the fatty tumor. All the symptoms are what she has and one should wait up to 72 hrs before seeing improvement or for testing. This Syndrome can take weeks for recovery - of course if it is just an inflammation of nerves or inner ear and not a brain tumor. She was not eating yesterday, but last evening she was eating and drinking from our hand. In order to go outside, I have a cloth LL Bean log carrier to put under her to guide her scared shaky body outside. I am told that dogs can learn to compensate and lead a normal life. I am praying this is temporary passing geriatric event. I had to sleep downstairs with her because she would somehow attempt(too dangerous) to get upstairs to be with me to sleep. She did get hit in the head by a rock one time by f***ing kids(don't let me get a hold them/probably same ones breaking windows in area & an elderly woman was hurt) in a truck which Sierra ended up in the emergency room - maybe this had some kind of haunting effect.

Melancholy apprehension ~ Sierra ~ Geriatric Dog

When I got home last last night, Sierra went to her food dish and almost fell over - caught by the wall. I took her out side and realize she could not walk on her leg with the big giant fatty tumor. Each step made her fall over to the other side and sometimes go to the ground. She did not wimper. Sierra knew she couldn't move, so I coaxed her to pee and we would come out later to poop. I had to help her to the house and made her lay down. Anxiety filled my head what if she needs to be put to LALA land! I have to go out of town this morning for work so I had anxiety galore. Do I call they vet to have her LALA'd off hours??? I wish her Vet came to the house. DO I cremate or take her body home? It would be much more relaxing for me and her. She is my side kick shadow & buddy at home. Then all of a sudden it disappeared and she was her usual self with the huge tumor. She was able to come to bed and come back downstairs. Zachary thinks she kinked something because she tries to get up really fast when I come home from work - like a bullet to the door.

I have to think more on what to do when we have to do it but so sad! She is really happy and active this morning. Flucky thingy last night!
This morning rubbing her back...

Bladder Colon Twistola Nervosis

Don't know if there is such a word...but for the next week it will be occuring in my body. Chris Scott called to organize the aid station setups - Oh no ~ no wonder woman Jen! I will be there Friday PM helping with Registration & Aid Station food along with my kids. I am scared to death because he has me going to three aid stations to setup and get the troops rallied during the Wilderness 101 held in Coburn. This is all fine and I am pumped. I want to do a good job but I need organization and maps, ideas are rifting through my brain - figure out where in Timbuktu -without getting lost. I hope TwistedUterus can help me out. I have to call or stop by for her ideas busy today - Kelsi's Birthday and riding to an auction outside of Laurelton. I know Dag wants station #5 and Kelsi will assist her. I know I will be there for a couple of hrs in the afternoon and then later to wind down #5. We need to supply these 101 mile riders with support, desires, and smiles! Wilderness101 & SM100 riders, & Chris Scott make my life tick.

The body functions are almost as bad as my first race. What if I have to pee or poop in the middle of no where!?

Happy 17th Birthday Kelsi ~ I Love You!

Spay & Neuter ~ Crisis of Unwanted Animals

http://www.brightlion.com/InHope/InHope.aspx

Please spay or neiter your pet. When friends & family get new pets, make sure they take the step early in a pet's life and be responsible. There are so many unwanted pets cause by human ignorance and no excuse!

Your pet is your companion to raise for it's lifetime with you and never think of it as a disposible commodity.

My pets will always have a spot of comfort and love at my house....

Why Coincidences in our lives?

Everyone has had a strange coincidence at some time in their lifetime. I have had so many lately. that it is errie. As far as I know there is no explanation. I think I should start keeping an area for them, because they fade from our memory bank, despite being absolutely strange and complex. Some are to the point of being more than a random chance when these happen.

Of this day in a brief note:
1. I was on my way to the gym, thinking if anything happened to my knees again I would be devastated and at wits end. Do not take my passions away....While on the BOSU ball, I did something no so out of ordinary - pain and catch. WTF....I had trouble lifting knee out of shower, into my car, sitting on the toilet was excruciating. Crap poo....then all of a sudden it disappeared after 2 hrs. It must have been a floater of some sort. Was this a test of a higher being?
2. K & I were out for a ride & I had mention to her that I told AK to stop by the house if he ever needed, ie flat tire or whatever while out for a ride. Suddenly, looked up and he was riding toward us and shouted a Hello.....Kelsi said who was that and I told her - she said that is weird because we were talking about him. First of all, this individual has crossed my path three times in the last couple of weeks and why-when I have never seen him before. I did come upon his myspace (I think) last year in some search. He rides for Bucknell and I hope he reaches for his dreams through cycling, AK seems like a really nice fella and hope to chat with him again. Are cyclist magnets to each other?

Bats Bats Everywhere

We have been doing work to our house such as new doors, prepping for a new paint job and various other activities. I think we will need to take time out to make some bat houses. Over the years our property has been host to many colonies of bats. They are hanging everywhere - corners, eaves, chimmneys, foundation of the house and garage. Research for making multi chamber hotels for these creatures will be needed.

Maryland Crabs Anyone ?

Every once in a while over the last many yrs, the family ventures to Havre de Grace, check out the antique shops, the promenade along the ocean








and end with the finale of eating crabs at Price's Seafood

Primitive camping Old Mingle Rd

The Family went camping on top of Old Mingle Rd in the usual spot. It is so fine to sit around a camp fire and sit & eat.
Kelsi rescue from middle of road.

On Monday we went for a bike ride on Old Mingle to Coburn area. Al turned around because he knew he needed enough energy to get back up Old Mingle Rd. The kids went to the Pavilion in Coburn - the last few miles will be a muddy coal mess for the Wilderness 101 if any additional soakings. I paused at Fisherman's Path
to wait for the kids. No show so I ventured up the mountain.
The kids were covered in black mud. I had a wet sweat head from riding up Old Mingle. We had to go home to shower.

Sunday Ride ~ Poe Paddy State Park & around

Bike stroll on the railroad grade Cherry Run

All bridges should look like this rather than steel monsters Poe Valley Rd

Dag & Kelsi in for a dip on one of the explore stops

Into the tunnel Poe Paddy Tunnel of vertigo - we had to manuever around tubers

The road to Poe Valley State Park

On Sunday, Dagny (check her blog)http://twisteduterus.livejournal.com, Kelsi, & I went on a jont from Union Co. to Centre Co. & around Poe Paddy State Park. We went & stopped here, there, where ever............. The tunnel is my worst fear. I think I get vertigo. It was a fine day!

Yard Sale Venture

Rode to Millmont yard sales to see what we could find. Some treasures were found but we had to wear our "finds" home.
I really do not want to do this Fencing demonstration tonight, but I am committed to the Master. I feel like being a lazy butt.
Ride tomorrow with Dag - where oh where shall we go? Neato...Ride the alleys of Mifflinburg? I wonder wonder...............

Barn Fire Union County

On the way home from Northern PA, we came upon a barn fire, it was along Rt 45 West on the south side of the road just before Hartleton. I sure hope all the cows got out safely and no one was hurt. The large barn collapsed and the twisting metal sounded like the Titanic going down. There were several Fire Depts. such as West End, Mifflinburg, New Berlin, Middleburg & Evangelical Paramedics, that came from the East. There was other equipment blocking the road to the West, therefore we had to detour to the Creek Road. Hope all is okay

Dagny wrote about the aftermath since she was called to the scene http://twisteduterus.livejournal.com

MudFaery Wood at the Celtic Fling

Kelsi, Jeremy & I attended the Celtic Fling held at the PA Rennaissance Faire. Our Roby Roy Epee Tournament was cancelled because of the rain. There would be a high risk of electrocution because it was Electric Epee. So we ventured, it is really a neat place with all the vendors. The one that caught my eye every time I went by was The Mud Faery. She had a huge pile of red clay mud and she went to work. She left an impression on me because she was so inspiring. When she was finish she was making all kind of little chirpy, snurtling, suirrling sounds - she was hungry and so cute. Her wings got all muddy as she walked off with her pouch full of donations. A guy went up to her and ask, "Will you come to my house and do this artwork in my front yard?" She guides him to her scroll with the website - http://www.mudfaerywood.com/
Can you imagine? Have a huge party with all your friends, a bonfire, drinks, food, and The Mud Faery doing her sculptures in your yard. Everyone will be fixated on her. Cool!

Beautiful Flowers are Bursting with Sunshine!

The Call of my hero went by the wayside

I checked the SMT website to see if Shady P Motor had any updates on what the enthusiastic busy beaver has been doing. Since he is my life inspiration and hero, even the smallest thing gives me a jump start and smile of calm. Of course, this inspiration thing has been heading on down the human chain this year. I had a woman tap me on the shoulder in the gym Friday & tell me I was a real inspiration. Oh well, it is all because of my dear friend, Chris Scott. The thanks go out to him. His enthusiasm has helped me with my outlook towards life & the choices one makes and making the best of every situation.
As for the updates, I was so saddened(jumping to conclusions)this morning because he was in State College Saturday riding trails & making adjustments to the 101 course. Oh well, he is an "on the go fella" and I respect him. My low was short lived for 5 minutes. WAIT! Kelsi and I were on a road ride Saturday along Ranck Rd near Millmont, my phone was beeping like I had a message. I ignored it because my Mother has a habit of calling Saturdays and leaving messages that I rarely listen to or call her back. I listened to the message this morning, it was Chris calling to see what was "shaking" and to let us know he was in town. He was taking the chain saw out to Little Poe and the Fisherman's Path. Crap Crap Crap crazy whining ass lady at work - I could have saved him a trip to the path because it is clear. If only my legs could swing around at the knees and kick my butt. If I hadn't been a flat headed socket eyed red rimmed bitch butt head & didn't wait two days to answer the message. The whole family would have dropped everything to help him clear the trails. I sure hope he didn't sleep on a picnic table & indeed proceeded on to D.C. I am going to have to get him a detail map because this was not the first time he was so close on one of his pass through jounts. My faith in him lives on because of the little message. Thanks for being you!

The washer is dead !

I smelled something hot or burning on Sunday when I took my mattress pad out of the washer. Al said, "it was the washer". He kept saying it is going to die. I went in denial because I had it over 20 yrs. Sooooo, yesterday I had a message on my voicemail, "The washer is dead -we need a new one". Crap - of course it will be up to me to decide. I really hate shopping for things. I want a huge honk ass one with a couple of settings - simple. I don't need all these dial setting for silk or permanent press which reminds me on my Nana's polyester pant setting.
By this weekend, the sweaty smelly gym clothes may get moldy by Saturday. The hamper is flowing with materials and it is only Tuesday. I will resist the laundromat.
First look at one, the GE Appliances 4.0 cu. ft. King Size Capacity Washer & white is fine because no one will see it in the gloomy basement. Any suggestion?

Weather Rock was not swaying

We were planning to ride up to Negro Hollow but my husband blasted his negativeness, "it's too muddy, you better not go up there"! Of course that would make it better. The trail is muddy even at the end of a drought summer. Last weekend after graduation, some Mifflinburg HS students tried to take their Jeep on the trail and got stuck in one of the water holes which cover the hood of the Jeep and flowed inside, so it must be really "muddy". Good experience for them. We'll wait a couple of weeks - SAVVY!
~~~~~savvy - the cognitive condition of someone who understands; "he has virtually no understanding of social cause and effect"~~~~
So we decided to ride our bikes up Cherry Run Rd, left on Old Mingle Rd,which is a climb up to the Primitive Campsites near Lick Hollow Rd, traveled down the great descent, my hands were really tired from gripping the brakes, to beautiful Fisherman's path and proceeded to the railroad grade at ended at the Weather Rock at Ingleby made by some Loco ? drunks, the Road is even called Weather Rock Dr. Of course, we had to reverse out ride to the car parked at Weikert Rd. Back home to plant some veggie plants, including brussel sprouts, from Brush Valley greenhouse.

Encourage Cycling for All

What ever happened to the kids riding bikes to school and riding around for adventures? This was the mode of transportation when I was growing up through college. My husband's first married Christmas gift from me was a FUJI (back in the 80's), which he had to use at times to ride to work. Cycling can be a spin for a couple of blocks to the stress reliever of miles and miles of nowhereland. Experts say over 60% of people are inactive. I think it is much higher when I compare myself to others in a typical day.
Over the last year, I have really enjoyed biking for a number of reasons and inspirations of individuals. It is like a spread of joyful butter. At times, I think something is wrong with me because I have spent more money on cycling stuff in 2006 than food or everyday clothing. I am always looking at a new jersey but can't find one. I think there needs to be better designers. I guess it is because I have to also spread this joy of cycling to my kids and get them something every now and then. I try to encourage people to get out and ride even if it is a little spin for a couple of blocks. In the last week people come up to me when the subject of biking touches them.
A friend of mine went out with her husband and small son and was so proud to tell me - This is a real accomplishment to go a mile because it only happens about once or twice a yr or two.
At the gym, there was a fella that looked like he should ride a SS. One of the trainers, Kira and I talk to Ken. Somehow we got talking & behold he rides geared mtbs, it is weird that one can sniff these people out. He would be a great volunteer for the Wilderness 101 and has a nice personality (most mtb riders do. He raced at Michaux a few weeks ago so he was mixed in with some good riders and did not know it. I encouraged Kira the next day to ask Ken to ride together on a trail because she is itching to go ride "with someone". On Friday, she told me she asked him if he would take her on an easy trail ride and he said yes. He may have to go out of town, but I hope this works out for a new riding friendship!!! These are two wonderful people I hope are adding to the cycling bank.
This week my kids wanted an ice cream cone. I was not getting in the car to drive ten miles for one. Guess what ~ we mounted the bikes and road to Popeye's Ice Cream. I am glad my kids don't hymn holler about it. I hope they grow up and ride through their lives. I have decided that if I need only one or two items at the little town store I will have to ride the five miles. Local yard sales were a few weeks ago and my daughter & I rode around 12 miles checking out yard sales and tooting around.
Doesn't everyone have a bike stashed away somewhere collecting dust?

Why Oh Why did you die ?

This has been troubling for over a week and I guess I need to get it out. A dear friend of my daughter Kelsi, Ryan Daniels ended his life in front of an eighteen wheeler last week on Route 15. It really troubles me as to Why Oh Why! I really wish I could have given him a big awful hug! This young man would call Kelsi every month or so just to chat about anything from advice about girls to the vegan appetite. I can still hear his voice (it reminded me of a surfer dude)when Kelsi would pick up the phone and it always brought a smile to my face when I heard him, "Heeeeeeey Keeeelsi!". He was never afraid to leave a message on our phone for her to call him back. I sure to Hell hope those phone numbers(did not recognize)on my caller id list were not from him over the last several months. It is so gut wretching and sad because this young man had talent on a variety of topics. His obituary was really neato because it made you know him a little better. I will stick his life in my internal body pocket & carry it with me for the rest of my memory life. It will open up every now because the memory is with me forever.
Rest in Peace Ryan & May Your Voice Bring Music.
His Life Story in The Daily Item:

Rattlesnake Yellow Phase

Basking in the Limelight on this beautiful 95 degree Memorial Day. Rattlesnakes are on the move after a six month hibernation. This one seems to be hanging around it's den. Is it a female? The pregnant females remain basking near the dens through the summer. Take precautions when in the woods for hikes, look for rattlesnakes before you sit down on a log or rock and check around before reaching for something on the ground.

What an Inspiration! Megan Timothy - Author of “Let Me Die Laughing, Waking From the Nightmare of a Brain Explosion".

While drinking my morning coffee, the first article I read online was about a woman named Megan Timothy cycling cross country to raise awareness of brain injuries and promote her book . She has been on a series of adventures from recovering from a brain aneurysm to cycling cross-country in the US and abroad in order to prove to herself she can overcome. Cyclists seem to overcome so well. I guess what really amazed me was that she was 63 yr old and solo. Her local overnight stay consisted of camping at the sewage treatment plant, which I am sure topped her list of places. What was wrong with that police officer in suggesting this "safe" place! Didn't he know someone she could stay with & get a good meal & shower. I would have invited her to stay at my house and make herself at home. I had to take my bike to State College for it's checkup & behold a cyclist was spotted walking along Rt 45 west ~ it was her! I recognized her helmet setup. My daughter said, " she looks really young and not 63 & I want to do ride cross-country". Yeah, I would love to do it also, but where would the time and money come from for the trip. Or does one need a life changing event to do this? I was so excited but at the same time saddened because there was no berm to pull over on the winding road up the mountain. I really wanted to run over and hug her. I was confident we would see her on the return trip, because it was going to be tough with the rolling hills of the valley. On the return trip I spotted Megan cresting a hill in the opposite direction and again no place to pull off safely or turn around. I did give her a light toot-toot with the horn & wave, which the later was returned. I wish her a safe trip. This gives me hope for continuing cycling in my future.

Yard Work Galore

Delivery came ~ 2 scoops mushroom soil & 6 scoops of mulch bark. Outside for 7 hours gardening & mulching with Kelsi. Aaah it looks so nice! Good activity for Zachary next week to mulch around the whole fence. I wish I had a mini digger so I could rip tear around the yard like a crazy woman!

Al & Zachary went to get a load of wood. This is so we can keep warm in the cold days of winter and wear shorts in the house with open windows on a blustery day.

Sierra opened my mulching paper for me. I think she thought it was a giant toilet paper tube which she loves to shred~crazy tumor dog.

The kids found some baby Starlings in the yard. Tarcole was afraid of them and ran back to "home base" since he is afraid to be away from the porch~black scaredy cat.

Time to go get dinner at the Union County Sportmens Club and have a beer or two.

1st Family Mountain Bike Race ~ Cat Classic ~ Logue Farm

Registration for the three of us - First comment, "You probably picked one of the toughest MTB courses to do!". I heard this several times before the event started. As we were lined up like cattle to cross over to the grassy field in a motocross start, I told my daughter I have to vacate the race, I guess the Fight-or-Flight Response wanted to take over my body. My son was somewhere in the field ready to go. I was freaking out. Everything was moving too fast for me. I had a 13 yr old riding at times with me - you go girl - inspiration looking over my shoulder on a climb. The course was really tough despite pre-riding 6 miles the night before. Lots of downhill technical areas = walking areas for me.

Here's Rob, Linda, & Ray; but where is Harry? Thanks for the seat tightening Harry!




I am scared of falling - maybe I should get full body armour. It feels wonderful to see the list of finishers in print & see our names, despite poopoo performance. I accomplished a self goal over the last yr- post knee surgeries, hopefully next year will be more of a fitness improvement. Ride, Ride the butt off!


Kelsi & I made the podium of the Logue digger.