Well, first thing - it has been two weeks since we posted. And, one small problem was the major contributor to this delay. I was getting ready to go to Florida last weekend - when Jeanette developed some severe "light-headed-ness" and she was very cold. On Sunday morning, we went to the emergency room and they admitted her. Here is the whole story.... For a few months, Jeanette has had "occasional" light headed-ness. She would tell her cardiologist (she visits him regularly) since she has a pacemaker that was "installed" in 2001 - to assist her heart (her family has a history of heart trouble - and she was frequently going into atrial fibrillation). But the EKG's they took at that time showed no significant troubles. So there was nothing they could really do. But this past Sunday morning, Jeanette starts getting ready to go to church, but she is so lightheaded that she could hardly stand or catch her breath. So I took her to the emergency room.
The ER took an EKG from Jeanette and sent it to her cardiologist. The cardiologist looked at the EKG and told the ER doctor that she was in A-Fib - and she needed to spend the night - so he could "cardio-vert" her (shock her heart) in the morning. So Jeanette was admitted and waited for the cardiologist the next morning. Dr. Nathan came in - and saw Jeanette's EKG - and said apparently the ER staff sent him the wrong one (?) - but she was not in A-fib and there was no reason to shock her. They were waiting for the pacemaker rep to come - but she was late - so Dr. Nathan was in the process of releasing Jeanette from the hospital when the pacemaker rep showed up. She quickly hooked up the computer to Jeanette's pacemaker and found there was a "weak signal" to one of the leads (wires). She adjusted Jeanette's pacemaker - and "Bob's yer uncle" - she is fine. She has resumed her (way too busy) schedule and we are still on pace to start our trip. So that was a FUN diversion.... although I had to postpone my trip to Florida until next Monday - so I will be heading out of town then.
What else has happened since the last post..... Well, I finally decided on a Samsung Galaxy Note (it is a "hybrid" between a phone and a tablet - - seriously, they are calling it a "phablet".) But it has a 5.3" screen and does stuff that both a phone and a tablet do. I am still getting used to it - but it does a lot of cool stuff. It also "bluetooths" to our helmet intercom system....so eventually, I will get it to give us directions as we are driving along. I decided against a tablet - as I would have to buy a data plan, a messaging plan and I would still have to buy a phone - and I just don't want to carry all of that stuff. I like the Note - as I can turn it sideways and have "bigger" buttons to type with. My eyes are bad enough that it is hard to see these little buttons. So on that score (so far) I really like "the note".
Additionally, I went and took my "concealed carry" class and have applied for my permit. The class was 12 hours long (mostly powerpoint slides) and ended with about an hour of shooting (I rented a Glock 17 - a 9 mm handgun that is REALLY nice - especially when you compare it to the Berreta that I carried when i was in Iraq). It was a good class and I am expecting my CHL (concealed handgun license) in a month or so. After I get that, I will be in the market to go buy a new handgun. Again, if you look at our "route" - we are going through some very "rural" areas and I am not worried about people as much as I am animals or other things....so this is a defensive weapon...(one thing they did stress in the class - make EVERY ATTEMPT to run away! - and this is ME!) Don't wave the thing around or pull it out if you are having someone tailgate you. It is only for a LAST resort - and only if it is life or death situations. But it was a good class and understand that everyone who carries a concealed weapon (legally) is required to take a class and pass a background test. When a crook sees a "no weapons allowed" sign (in a restaurant or store) - he is ASSURED that every person in there who could legally protect themselves is unarmed.....just something to think about.
We also took a trip over to Iron Pony Motorsports in Columbus Ohio (about 40 miles away)....and it is an AWESOME store and has LOTs of stuff for the touring (or sport) rider. The main thing I wanted to get Jeanette (for Valentine's Day) was a nice riding jacket. These aren't your father's leather jackets.... these now have armor in the shoulder, back and elbows. The liners zip out - and they are semi-waterproof - so you can wear them in almost any weather.
This picture is the first jacket Jeanette was looking at in the store - this is an Icon - and it has all of the stuff mentioned above and cost $150! It was a great jacket....however, the "okie" in us made us go look around further and we found almost the same jacket (it is not quite as "long" and doesn't have some of the fancy tighteners) - but it was only $50!!! So we bought that one for Jeanette (and that is the one she is wearing in the photo later on.) We also bought two (bright yellow - and heavy gauge) rainsuits and they were on sale for $35. For comparison - last year, I went to Lowe's and found two suits - that were very light gauge and fell apart after the first ride - and those cost $20 each.... so for an extra $15 we got a great upgrade.
I also wanted to get a few miles (solo) on the bike before I took Jeanette out. As I said, this bike is MUCH BIGGER and heavier than our old bike.... so I have taken it out and spent a lot of time working on my technique (especially at very slow speeds - whereas I could "horse" the old bike since it was lighter - but I can't do it with this new one). I also bought the "Ride Like A Pro" DVD series (this is the guy who teaches a lot of the motorcycle cops how to ride). I tried several of his techniques - and have been using them (They really work!! The DVD was only $30 and was very informative. There are also lots of "youtube" videos - where you can learn some of the same techniques).
I have also been continuing with my "fitness challenge" at work - and I have been concentrating on my upper body strength (which historically has been VERY weak for me). I am making strides and (although I will never win a "gun" show.) I feel that my arms and legs are in much better shape than they were a few months ago.
I came home last night and told Jeanette that I was ready for our first "2-Up" ride since the weather was supposed to be nice. We wanted to go to this new (to us) place (Loretta's Country Kitchen in Christianburg Ohio) - about 30 miles away (by back roads) - and it would be a nice close place to ride to...
So this morning, we get up and head out. At first, I was a little worried as the bike by itself is around 900 lbs.....adding myself, fuel, (and Jeanette) to that total makes it a little over 1200 lbs. That is a lot of weight. But after we got out of the driveway, everything came together. I just used my techniques (and of course, Jeanette is an "interactive" rider - where she always assists me as we are continually scanning for scary situations - and she watches for and alerts me to cross traffic. I actually feel a LOT safer when she rides with me.... and of course, it is a LOT more fun to ride with her because we can talk about stuff we see as we are driving along.) At Loretta's Country Kitchen, the food was tremendous! And there was a lot of it. We immediately asked for a box and brought about 2/3 of the breakfast home (it will become Sunday morning's breakfast.)
After that, we went for a "ride" - up to St. Paris to fill up and then doing a "lap" around Kiser Lake - and taking the "long, scenic way home". We put on about 90 miles total today. The new bike rides so much smoother (and handles the nasty bumps so much better than the old bike.) And it is much more "relaxed" as we drive along because of the larger engine and the 6-speed transmission. The weather was cool - not a lot of traffic and it was just a great ride all around. About ten miles from home - Jeanette says...."Wade - I like our new bike"
Couldn't agree more.
TEN WEEKS TO GO!
The ER took an EKG from Jeanette and sent it to her cardiologist. The cardiologist looked at the EKG and told the ER doctor that she was in A-Fib - and she needed to spend the night - so he could "cardio-vert" her (shock her heart) in the morning. So Jeanette was admitted and waited for the cardiologist the next morning. Dr. Nathan came in - and saw Jeanette's EKG - and said apparently the ER staff sent him the wrong one (?) - but she was not in A-fib and there was no reason to shock her. They were waiting for the pacemaker rep to come - but she was late - so Dr. Nathan was in the process of releasing Jeanette from the hospital when the pacemaker rep showed up. She quickly hooked up the computer to Jeanette's pacemaker and found there was a "weak signal" to one of the leads (wires). She adjusted Jeanette's pacemaker - and "Bob's yer uncle" - she is fine. She has resumed her (way too busy) schedule and we are still on pace to start our trip. So that was a FUN diversion.... although I had to postpone my trip to Florida until next Monday - so I will be heading out of town then.
What else has happened since the last post..... Well, I finally decided on a Samsung Galaxy Note (it is a "hybrid" between a phone and a tablet - - seriously, they are calling it a "phablet".) But it has a 5.3" screen and does stuff that both a phone and a tablet do. I am still getting used to it - but it does a lot of cool stuff. It also "bluetooths" to our helmet intercom system....so eventually, I will get it to give us directions as we are driving along. I decided against a tablet - as I would have to buy a data plan, a messaging plan and I would still have to buy a phone - and I just don't want to carry all of that stuff. I like the Note - as I can turn it sideways and have "bigger" buttons to type with. My eyes are bad enough that it is hard to see these little buttons. So on that score (so far) I really like "the note".
Additionally, I went and took my "concealed carry" class and have applied for my permit. The class was 12 hours long (mostly powerpoint slides) and ended with about an hour of shooting (I rented a Glock 17 - a 9 mm handgun that is REALLY nice - especially when you compare it to the Berreta that I carried when i was in Iraq). It was a good class and I am expecting my CHL (concealed handgun license) in a month or so. After I get that, I will be in the market to go buy a new handgun. Again, if you look at our "route" - we are going through some very "rural" areas and I am not worried about people as much as I am animals or other things....so this is a defensive weapon...(one thing they did stress in the class - make EVERY ATTEMPT to run away! - and this is ME!) Don't wave the thing around or pull it out if you are having someone tailgate you. It is only for a LAST resort - and only if it is life or death situations. But it was a good class and understand that everyone who carries a concealed weapon (legally) is required to take a class and pass a background test. When a crook sees a "no weapons allowed" sign (in a restaurant or store) - he is ASSURED that every person in there who could legally protect themselves is unarmed.....just something to think about.
I also wanted to get a few miles (solo) on the bike before I took Jeanette out. As I said, this bike is MUCH BIGGER and heavier than our old bike.... so I have taken it out and spent a lot of time working on my technique (especially at very slow speeds - whereas I could "horse" the old bike since it was lighter - but I can't do it with this new one). I also bought the "Ride Like A Pro" DVD series (this is the guy who teaches a lot of the motorcycle cops how to ride). I tried several of his techniques - and have been using them (They really work!! The DVD was only $30 and was very informative. There are also lots of "youtube" videos - where you can learn some of the same techniques).
I have also been continuing with my "fitness challenge" at work - and I have been concentrating on my upper body strength (which historically has been VERY weak for me). I am making strides and (although I will never win a "gun" show.) I feel that my arms and legs are in much better shape than they were a few months ago.
I came home last night and told Jeanette that I was ready for our first "2-Up" ride since the weather was supposed to be nice. We wanted to go to this new (to us) place (Loretta's Country Kitchen in Christianburg Ohio) - about 30 miles away (by back roads) - and it would be a nice close place to ride to...
Couldn't agree more.
TEN WEEKS TO GO!
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