Missouri State Penitentiary for Thursday Doors and #CBWC

During vacation at the end of June, biking buddy and I did more than bike the Katy Trail. Toward the end of the week, the days were extremely hot, so we decided to be “tourists” and investigate Jefferson City, the capitol of Missouri, sweating a tad bit less in the process. The now open-for-tours Missouri State Penitentiary gave us an opportunity to witness how harsh prison conditions could be in the 1800’s and up to the year 2004, when theRead more

Capturing Life

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.“ On Adrian’s Island, Jefferson City, MO, the pieces of the extra-large chessboard travel often, but not too far. There is no escape outside the square. Biking buddy and I returned from a nine-day vacation to Missouri. Our intent was to bike six days on the Katy Trail, but it ended up being only four days and 82.5 miles. The best laid plans… Actually, the heat prevented usRead more

#SoCS: I Drive to this Place

I drive to the forest I hide in the forest Breathing in cool air I know in this place It is a safe space For a grumbly soul to bare I ride past a thousand trees The blue of lake’s seas And give two legs a dare Twists and turns abound Up and down without sound In sync with a gravelly stare I drive because I must The heat at home an angry bust The heart finds its weather loveRead more

Winter Burn

“Nothing burns like the cold.”  ~George R.R. Martin~ Boy and girls… It’s freakin’ cold here in Wisconsin. High temp today around -10F (-23C), with wind chills that feel like hell has frozen over. At the time this post publishes, circa 6 am, the actual temperature will be around -20F (-29C) with a “real feel” wind chill of -50F (-45.5C). Yeah, that burns. The Governor declared a State of Emergency on Monday after a major snowstorm and the impending cold. GoodRead more

Benched Contemplation

“Seated here in contemplations lost, my thought discovers vaster space beyond, supernal silence and unfathomed peace.”  ~Giacomo Leopardi~ The brother was home this past weekend. While we always find a craft beer or two during a visit, those visits always come with walking. Walking a county or state trail, walking downtown Appleton after a meal, walking in brewery tour, or walking through botanical gardens. (Someone has a hard time sitting for too long.) This past Saturday, we made the driveRead more

SoCS: Which is True?

Which is true? That you love me or I love you? This is true… I love the color blue. Which is true? That He created all or it’s a scientific fact? This is true… I don’t own a witch’s black hat. Which is true? Snow is pretty or heat is ugly? This is true… I always try to be friendly. Which is true? Friends are forever or a passing fancy? This is true… I have a dear friend Nancy. WhichRead more

Weather Relativity

“It’s nice out there!” So proclaimed one of the bosses after walking in from outside. The afternoon was partly sunny. The temperature was a balmy 18 F. Or -7.77 C. Nice? Say what? This is weather relativity after several days of bone-chilling, below-zero wind chills. I had been wearing long underwear, two pairs of socks, long-sleeved T-shirts under heavy sweaters, and not-so-cute-but-warm boots for much of the week. The many layers are necessary to keep from shattering teeth into aRead more

Remedy

It’s a cold and rainy day. I’m a bit cold and wet. The heat has been turned up and a warm, soft hoodie hangs on my upper half. This is so different from Monday, when I actually felt warmth in the air. Real, almost summer-like warmth. Where did it go? The warmth? It’s supposed to be cold, in the 40’s, maybe 50 degrees F, through next Wednesday. The weather girl just said the “S” word for northern areas. Ugh. The remedyRead more

Languid

Heat and humidity This is what it does to me It’s difficult to sleep I don’t want to eat…much The vacuum stays silent The dusting sees no dent I stay in the coolness of A/C Dressed in a sleeveless T No effort is in my soul If asked, I would have no life goal My blog post is short Writing is an effort I lay on the couch and do nothing I do nothing I do nothing Lifeless LanguidRead more