Bike Ride, Lassen Park and The Creek

This weekend was packed with wild and fun stuff to do. Friday evening was dinner with the Greers and the Hollers, a going away dinner for Buck, Rachael and the girls. They are moving to New York City this week. We all met at Round Table Pizza to enjoy great pizza with friends. On Saturday, Bill, Dean and I met at the church at 7:00 AM. We rode motorcycles to Mineral for coffee and on to Chester for breakfast. It was beautiful (but little chilly in spots). We had breakfast and great conversation at the Kopper Kettle. I had a huge plate of biscuits and gravy. Following breakfast it was back down the mountain for a ride through Lassen Park.
We were told there were suppose to be 100+ bikes coming into the park. We waved alot! We stopped at both visitors centers and then caught Hwy. 44 to Shingletown. From there we to the cutoff to Manton, to try to catch Gary at home. We were not successful so we headed for home. We rode nearly 200 beautiful miles!
On Sunday after church, we all went to Francisco's. This would be the last lunch with the Hollers. It was great! When we got home we filled the raft and headed to the creek. We had been wanting to do this for quite some time. The water was warm and the rope swing kept calling the girl's names. It was a blast! I spent most of my time paddling the raft and getting use to how to manuver it. We went home tired, but it was a good tired.
We are seriously looking at moving to another state. Tina and the girls will be going to Tennessee in a couple weeks to take a look. We are currently in research mode.

Current weather: suppose to be 95 degrees today. There is fire on the mountain so alot of smokey haze. There were cinders on the bike when I went out to start it this morning. The smell of smoke is in the air.

-Norm

I Passed!

Yesterday I took my motorcycle license drivers test. It was at 4:00 PM, in the heat of the day. Yesterday's high was 110 degrees. The DMV instructor was pleasant and had a great sense of humor! I did well on the actual driving part. I can now drive at night, carry passengers and ride on the freeway. With this new license also came the purchase of a new helmet for the passenger. We purchased a Bell Bandito. When we got it home and went to take off the packaging, I noticed the following sticker "Caution:use care when removing packaging from the helmet to avoid injury or damage to the helmet". I am sure it is made to withstand a great amount of pressure and abuse so to think that by simply removing the plastic case from around the helmet I could damage it. Weird!
My first ride on the freeway was a great one. I thought big trucks doing 60-70 mpgs would be more of a problem but nothing out of the ordinary just keep both hands on the handlebars!

Current weather: Expected high of 95 degrees today and beautiful. This is alot better than the three digit temperatures we have been having. It's gonna be a great weekend!

-Norm

A Difficult Week and Hot!

While on my motorcycle ride to work on Monday morning I remember thinking what great ride it is. I am taking back roads that are lined with oak trees. When I arrived at work I was told the news about coworker. There had been a shooting at their family home and she was dead. It is still unclear what happened. The investigation is still going and the autoposy will be done on Friday. We also had a visit from OSHA. I have been working deligently to get needed documents and training records. Next, an employees mother called about reports of the air conditioner in our building not working. This was untrue, but they called the local new t.v. station anyway. A reporter came out to access the situation. They did a very favorable report on us.
Thankfully these happened at the first part of the week. Thing are a little slower now.
After all my projects were finished last night. I soaked in our small pool. It felt so good!

No word yet about funeral services.

I still think it was a nice ride in on Monday. It is all that has followed that has been difficult.

Current weather a staggering 110 degrees! Rumor has it, it could get up to 117 be the end of the week.

-Norm

Wood Go-Carts and The Neighborhood Hill.....

I remember spending childhood summer days pounding nails building wooden go-carts. These involved finding a piece of plywood big enough to sit on. It seemed there was always scrap 2x4s available and we would use them to support the back axel and wheels. Next we would take another 2x4 and attached it front and center to the plywood with a bolt. This was our steering. The front axel and wheels were attached to this 2x4 piece. The final touch was attaching a rope to the 2x4 or the front axel. Now we are ready to go.
Our section of the neighborhood was perched high on a hill. Our home was at the top of a paved street. Around the corner from our home was another paved hill with a dip at the bottom. We had a great time going down and up, down and up.... This is how we spent a number of days. These same hills were also great for skateboarding and testing our the latest two wheel creations. This was back before helmets and safety gear. I think I left a good deal of skin on these sections of street and still lived to tell about it!

Weather today: 94 degrees and a beautiful day. The ride today on the Reflex was great and enjoyable.

-Norm

God; Strong and Loving

I am re-reading Wild At Heart by John Eldredge. I just finished Chapter 2. At the end of this chapter he has posted this verse: "One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you O God are loving. Psalms 62:11-12.

In reference to Wild At Heart, the point is being made that we as men need to be strong. There is definately a place for this. I love camping and the outdoors. I have a newfound love for motorcycle riding. While I do not consider myself a manly-man, there are times when I need to be strong at home and at work.

The other side of God is His love. I desire to be a loving husband and father. Also a caring and compassionate boss and case manager. When I speak I hope there are two things that are heard, I am strong. As with God a defender of the weak. That I am loving and tender in all areas of my life.

I look forward to an upcoming motorcycle ride with my friend Bill to Lassen Volcanic National Park. I am looking forward to an upcoming family trip to southern California to watch my daughters in their showcases. Strong and loving.

Current weather: 104 degrees and a slight breeze.

-Norm

A New/Old BBQ

I had to put our old gas barbeque to rest earlier this summer. It was an old Kenmore with a wooden frame. We got it when we were apartment managers. A tenant left it behind so we adopted it.
I have been on the lookout for another one. The other day I stopped by our local Salvation Army store. They had several and one was in very good condition. They wanted $24.00 for the best one. I left empty handed. A few days later, the banner went up 50% off everything in the store on Friday! I got a nice BBQ for $12.50! I have a tank and need to fill it up then I will be in business. I love BBQ hot dogs.

I will hopefully be filling the tank tonight and then let the Qing begin!

Current weather: 100+ degrees. It was a great ride in this morning.

-Norm