yard work
After working on the car Saturday I needed to put some time in around the house.
I started on my snow bush or whatever it is called. It has been getting a bit unruly for several years now so just trimming the new growth isn't going to do it - I needed to hack it back some. So that is just what I did.
I also trimmed a limb from the south side maple that was always in my face when mowing.
I also trimmed the English Ivy on the north side.
Back riding - Replaced front brake pads
After much existed persuasion from Ms. Daisy and as my wounds have healed I decided to let her have her run. Before riding I decided change the pads again, it turns out I only needed to tighten the rear brakes and replace the front pads - they were kind of worn out. (see below)
Since my knee was still scabbed over I let Daisy do all the exercising. She seems much calmer now.
%*&^#$ Daisy
It was only a matter of time I guess, plus this being Friday the 13th it was a day good for my luck to run out, Ms. Daisy pulled me off the bike on her exercise ride. I had tried to take a slightly different route than normal and at first I though she would slack up and let me lead her but no - as I started to turn right she took off at full power left and rather than try to stop or follow I turned and leaned in harder to the right but then the front tire started to skid along in the gravel and I went down. This wouldn't have been so bad if we were not at speed - maybe 7-10 mph or so. As I started to lose control of the bike I release the rope but I ended up skidding along the gravel a few feet. I tore up the heals of both my hands, my right knee & elbow and this morning in the shower I noticed road rash on my shoulder too. (since the shirt was torn like my jeans I am assuming that was from friction of the fabric) I am still limping around from a bruised knee - it will be a few days before I venture out on the bike with her again. I think I will also replace the brake pads, they were just replaced in APRIL 2004 but the rear are almost metal to metal and the front don't have much life left in them.
Once I brushed myself off I let her pull me home, with no extra power from me.
Normally, she slacks up when I slow her down before an intersection as she did this time but rather than waiting for me to chose the direction she took off at full power on the regular route and I was foolish enough to try to make her change course.
I have developed a good system for dragging her along when she tries to stop and smell some other dogs "roses" by shifting to a low gear and dragging her along. For turns she lets me set the direction then takes off at full power in the direction we are now traveling - this time she didn't wait more then long enough for me to see that no cars were coming. Next time I will make her come to a complete stop before deviating from the regular route.
BR5-49 at the Highdive
I went to see BR5-49 at the Highdive in Champaign. Great show, I think WWHP had a live broadcast too - at least a remote. I need to remember to listen to them online since their signal just barely reaches Homer.
JAKEHEAD opened the show, they were quite good - a rock-a-billy type band (note I am not a expert when it come to placing bands)three guys, standup base, drummer and guitar/singer. The drummer looked like he was really enjoying performing, having a great time.
Rachel Crider weds John Finnegan
Here are two pictures of Mr. & Mrs. John Finnegan leaving on the groom's 1952 John Deere model A High Crop.
The wedding was held at Robert Allerton park near Monticello IL, August 7, 4:30 pm.
