Inside The Perimeter

I don’t mind admitting that I can be a scaredy cat sometimes. Last night drove all the way to Meltons to ride, and on my drive a light rain fell. When I arrived at Meltons the roads were wet, and the humidity was brutal. And then, I saw that there was a severe thunderstorm watch from 6:00-11:00, at which time I decided to get back into my car and drive home.

Do you know the difference between a “Watch” and a “Warning”? Because they both start with a “W” I confuse them all the time. According to Weather Works:

A WATCH means that the potential exists for the development of severe thunderstorms or tornadoes, depending upon the specific type of watch issued.

A WARNING, on the other hand, requires more immediate action and should be taken seriously.

Turns out that it didn’t rain, as reported by those who rode.

I have just started reading a book called “Station Eleven”. Published in 2014, early in the book the plot contains a highly-infectious flu called “Georgia Flu” (the country, not our state) which causes an epidemic. It may be still too soon out of our own pandemic for me to continue reading this book.

Wordle: six, my starter was STORM
Connections: perfect, Blue > Green > Purple > Yellow

I went to fetch some WLF potatoes in storage and noticed that something had been enjoying them before I could. My first fear was that a mouse had found its way into the ITP Estate, so I took the tray outside to inspect for scat. To my surprise I found a large caterpillar in the tray! Bugger! After tossing away the munched potatoes, and caterpillar, I inspected the remaining potatoes and found nothing else.

Because I had a glut of jalapeño peppers thanks to a wonderfully fruiting plant, I made a batch of something called Cowboy Candy. I haven’t tasted it yet, but I did sample the syrup once it cooled a bit, and its spiciness nearly blew my head off. It will be interesting to taste the concoction after a little while to see if it mellows.

Wordle: three, my starter was GRAIN (damn, another solution that was in my starter word list!)
Connections: one mistake, Yellow > X > Purple > Green > Blue

So, did anything monumental happen while I was away?

”You fuckers need to learn how to ride your bikes!”

Was the parting shot an Iowan in Burlington, Iowa yelled at us as we attempted to cross a busy road after completing RAGBRAI. With the exception of a few Burlington asshats, everyone I met in Iowa was really nice.

The week was filled with laughter, tough rides, beer, and food. We had perfect weather all week long, and except for hip pain keeping me from enjoying the after parties and having to pay for everything (much-needed showers now cost $8/shower) things went very well.

I’m glad to be home, getting back into my routine, cleaning up WLF, and starting my dietary changes. I’m trying to figure out what type of doctor can best address my hip problem; or should I start with a chiropractor first?

Wordle: three, my starter was TRADE
Connections: perfect, Purple > Green > Yellow > Blue

My second time in Ottumwa, Iowa. Didn’t see any part of town because I needed a night of rest. Today’s penultimate day of RAGBRAI will be 85 miles.

Wordle: four, my starter was SLANT

Another busy RAGBRAI day. It’s my SAG day, so I have to ride in the bus to Ottumwa, and then cycle against the grain to meet the Chattahooligans. Must get an Iowa Craft Beer credit today.

Wordle: four, my starter was BRACE

Finally have service at a brewery in Indianola, Iowa.

Been a great time thus far, only my annoying hip hurting badly when I walk has detracted.

Wordle: four, my starter was ORBIT

Happy birthday to me!

A lot to report, no time to do so…

Wordle: four, my starter was
Connections: two mistakes, Yellow > Green X > X > Blue > Purple

Off we go to Iowa! I really hope this all goes to plan. I’ll be honest, I’m a little apprehensive about myself.

Hope that everyone has a great weekend, and I will check in again on my birthday on Monday.

Wordle: five, my starter was STEAM
Connections: perfect, Purple > Yellow > Green > Blue

While Barb and Allan were making the utterly complicated dinner of a timpano, last night I did nearly the opposite by heating up a can of refried beans with a can or Rotel stirred into them, along with some diced WLF tomatoes and jalapeños, and ate that with some rice that I made in my InstantPot. Okay, now that I have typed this my dinner was not as simplistic as I thought, but still, it was no timpano!

Yesterday’s excitement included watching a local hawk fly through WLF, and then seeing a large branch drop from a neighbor’s tree into WLF. I have identified the branch the fell as problematic, but thankfully it did little damage as it fell into an area in which nothing is planted.

I’m getting close to being ready for the RAGBRAI trip. Doing laundry today to have clean cycling kits, and will finish my packing tonight.

I received an email from Peacock today informing me of (another?) price increase. I just renewed my annual subscription in June, so the $20 increase won’t hit until then, at which time I will have to determine if Peacock sans ads is worth $140/year to me.

Wordle: four, my starter was FIGHT
Connections: one mistake, Yellow > X > Blue > Green > Purple