www.theworldaccordingtotoph.com/wordpress/

McGee’s Story~~~ Bethany’s Version

Posted on July 30, 2010 by Toph

By:Bethany

So you probably have read my dad’s version of McGee’s Crossing. I, though have a completely different version.

So once upon a time……

There was a man named Bill McGee, short for William. He decided he wanted to be the successful and famous one, out of his other 2 brothers. So he decided to be successful you can not fall in love. He also decided you can not waste time in anyway. So that meant he did not have time to be courteous or amicable to anyone. What was famous and successful? Bill decided that to be successful and famous he had to have things named after him, go down into history, become rich, and then be able to brag over his other 2 brothers.

Being successful and famous lead to another problem for Bill. His problem was, how can he become successful and famous. So he thought and thought. Well he could become a cloth maker, since he was taught how to make it as a young lad. “Nah, cloth is boring,” Bill said. So he thought and thought some more. Then an idea came, he could go on The Oregon Trail and become rich by selling water to other famished travelers. “Nah, traveling The Oregon Trail is work,” said Bill. So Bill thought and thought some more (his brain was starting to hurt by now). He thought for 3 days straight. Then he had another idea. He thought, “Well maybe I can become successful and famous if I am not near this shore and living with my parents.”

Bill decided he would first need a wagon. So he went into his mother’s kitchen and asked if they had a spare wagon. She then went into asking him all these questions and after finding out he wanted to leave home, he got a stern lecture. So he decided he should ask his father instead. So he asked his father and he said, “There is one in the back but it needs some repair.” Bill asked if could have it and his father agreed. He repaired the wagon and it was now ready to load.

Now Bill needed some food to take. So everyday he took a very small amount of these various items; tobacco, corn meal, bacon, sugar, dried fruit, flour, salt, baking soda, tea, rice, and beans. After finally having enough to last him for a long time. He then went to pack the rest of needed items. So he put in the wagon 2 pairs of clothes, 3 pairs of boots, washboard and tub, thin mattress, blanket, feather pillow, the Bible, ink, paper, tools, and finally some water. The final thing he needed was two oxen to pull the wagon. After some time he found these and was ready to go.

So he said good bye to his family (with his mother still lecturing him). He traveled for days and months. He finally passed a little creek. So he stopped and filled his water jug. He thought to himself, “This would be a great place to cross, due to it’s shallowness.” So Bill did. He then found himself in a very poor village. The village people then swarmed around his wagon. The were all shouting for his food in his wagon. Bill felt a little guilty for not giving them any, but he did not have time to be courteous. So he thought and said to the starving people, “I will only let you have my food if you give me something else in return.”

The village all made a small circle and whispered among themselves. One of the older men said to Bill, “We will name that shallow creek that is a little north of here after you. In return for one of your oxen and most of your food.” Bill then thought about this offer and said, “Okay.” The old man then asked his name and Bill said, “William McGee.” The man then replied, “That creek will now be named, McGee Crossroads.” Bill then gave them one oxen and most of his food and left back for home. He decided that he was successful enough and could now be nice and get married (on the plus side his brothers never had anything named after them).

Posted in Beth, nonsense | Leave a comment

He Said Good-bye, Now I say Hello

Posted on July 28, 2010 by Toph

By: Bethany

If you can recall our Internet can be a little iffy sometimes. So this morning our Internet was basically down. Now my wonderful father wanted to say goodbye before leaving for Cleveland but that just can not happen when you have no Internet. So in place of him I, Bethany, am here to say it for him, goodbye. I am planning on writing a few posts in the time he is gone, if inspiration strikes me. Now some of you may be thinking, “Why is he in Cleveland?”

He is in Cleveland for the Pan Ohio Hope Ride. This ride is for Hope Lodges located in Cleveland and Cincinnati and the American Cancer Society. The ride takes place across Ohio, from Cleveland to Cincinnati over 4 days. The ride start tomorrow and ends Sunday. So today he left on a bus today to stay in Cleveland and starts the ride early the next morning with the 6-pack.

Toph saying good-bye with his newly recieved 2010 Pan Ohio Jersey.

Posted in Beth, Biking, Cancer Battle | Leave a comment

The Real Story Of McGee~~~Toph’s Version

Posted on July 27, 2010 by Toph

Jenny McGee sighed.

She didn’t get it. Why didn’t he understand? The “he” she was thinking of was no other than Andrew Jones. She was so in love with him, but she couldn’t get him to move! Literally. They were supposed to get married. It didn’t happen though. Andrew’s father had forbade it. He had said some things that had made Jenny blush.

Like that there was no way in hell his son was going to marry that Irish…, well you can fill in the blanks. She really loved Andrew, but he was so stubborn, just like his father.

Maybe she would get him to reason soon.

After the winter had passed, Jenny finally had gotten to Andrew. He had married her even if when his father said no. She reckoned that it was because he had said no, that had made Andrew finally marry her. He also would make the trip inland from the shore of Carolina. The rumors had said that there would be war soon. The king was bearing down on the Royal Colony Of North Carolina. Jenny didn’t care much for that. She just knew that Andrew and some of his family was going to move inland. She already had family in Orange County. Her Uncle John lived there, but he had just passed a year or so before. She was hoping to be able to settle on a small part of the family land.

Andrew wasn’t the brightest, be she loved him. She hoped he would be able to pick up farming. Fishing didn’t work out so well with him. Neither did shrimping. He didn’t seem to have much going for him. His daddy wasn’t happy either, but that did not make Jenny look any better for it. As far as he was concerned, Jenny was guilty by association. Jenny hoped to prove him wrong.

They set out that spring. She hated leaving Onslow county, but they had to get away from the coast and from Mr. Jones. She hoped Andrew would not be so stubbron once they got on the way. They were traveling with 3 other families. All either Jones or McGee’s in their own right. Such was the way in those times. Everyone knew each other or were related. And the threat of war with England and the King was growing more real every month. Time to go.

The trip took months. Traveling by wagon was faster than it used to be, but not by much. They had to reast the mules every day and Anrew soon grew impatient. Why was this taking so long? What was he going to do when he got there? To say that Jenny’s and Andrew’s relationship became strained during the trip was an understatement.

It wasn’t just them though. All of the couples were on terse terms. That happens when you do not ask for directions!

After months of travel and a few turnarounds, the wagon train came upon the Haw River. It wasn’t named that yet, but it was the same body of water just the same. The men of the couple wanted to cross right away.

“No,” cried Jenny! “We will all drown, it runs to deep here!”

“Nonsense woman” replied Andrew and all of the other males of the party were soon grunting their agreement.

Let’s cross here!” the men said.

Jenny was tired of it all. The time it took Andrew to finally marry her. The stubbornness of the men. The fact that they had roamed the state of North Carolina, without a map, for months when it should have only been weeks. The fact that Andrew was just like his dad…

“Fine! Go ahead and cross. Show us the way, oh, great man and husband of mine!”

Andrew looked very smug as he stepped into the soon to be named Haw River. He looked surprised when the water soon was up to his knees. He was for damned sure in a panic when he was up to his neck and was swiftly carried off in the current to his death. The same could be said for the rest of the men in the small, relocating party.

But the ladies. They knew better. They were saddened by the fate of their men. But they also turned the wagons west for just a few miles. They then ran into an old woman, sitting on her porch, rocking, pipe in her mouth.

“How do we get across the river?” Jenny asked.

“Just a few yards down and its shallow. Who are you and why you asking?” muttered the old woman.

Jenny related her tale of what the little caravan had experienced and all the old women could mutter was “HAW”

“Same thing happened to my dumbass man when we came here! What is your name?”

“Jenny McGee.” She proudly announced!

“Well this here crossing well from now on be named McGee”s Crossing. I wish you the best!”

And Jenny crossed over and never looked back.

Posted in nonsense | Leave a comment

Just Showing Off

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Toph

Here is the lineup for this year’s 6-pack team for the Pan Ohio Hope Ride. I think this photo was found in the post office with the rest of the most wanted.

Anyway, from left to right: Jeff, Gregg, Ken, Toph (yours truly), Chuck and Don.

The photo was taken during this year’s Cooking For A Cure.

What a motley crew indeed! None the less, we are ready for the four day adventure that begins on Thursday.

Posted in C.F.A.C., Cancer Battle | Leave a comment

Just Who Is McGee?

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Toph

Take a look at Kev’s response to my quip on names that you see on the highway as you are traveling along. Read it HERE

I still maintain that it was a river that I was traveling over when I made this observation. But that really doesn’t matter. What the game is now, is to come up with what really happened at McGee’s Crossing. Post your thoughts below. I will post my answer later.

Have fun with more interactive Toph!

Posted in history, nonsense | 3 Comments

Deep Breath

Posted on July 25, 2010 by Toph

Let’s take a look at the last few weeks for me. Because, after all, it is all about me.

Let’s start with a fundraiser for close to 150 people and volunteers that went off with out much problem. Check!

A outdoor wedding for about 80 people that also involved a big tent and had to deal with 90 + degrees in temperature. Check!

Training for a 350 mile bike ride while doing the above. Check!

Running the day to day business and life! Check!

Wow. That has been some ride and for once, I am not talking about the bike!

I am proud and humbled all at once and can only thank the support of family, friends and staff for being able to accomplish all of this. Now to make them proud by being able to finish the big rid this week. All I can say is that I will try my best. I am a little nervous. I never take any ride for granted. To many other factor may become involved so, again, I will try my best and hope that Sue Ann and I are up to the challenge.

But today, I was whooped. I took the day off. My mind was willing to go on a ride or other endeavors, but all I could manage was some nap time in a chair and read some of my book. And play with Doroth’i’. I mean she would not be denied, after all. I think she knows that I am about to leave on my new adventure and she wants some “me” time. I don’t blame her for that.

So, thath is where I am tonight. Again, it is about me!

Posted in Life | Leave a comment

Big Wedding

Posted on July 24, 2010 by Toph

It is time I go and do the chef stuff again today. Tonight is a outdoor wedding for over 80 people.

Big tent, lots of food. Music, fun, and sun.

What? Sun? That is right, bad luck for the wedding as they are calling for 96 degrees today. Yikes. I sure hope they do not have to wear tuxes! Let’s just hope there are no pop up thunderstorms! The joys of an outdoor wedding.

Don’t worry, I am cooking inside today in my normal 90 degree kitchen!

Posted in cooking | Leave a comment

Ahhh…Summer

Posted on July 22, 2010 by Toph

Take a real good look at the cat in this picture. Lazing on a sunny afternoon. He is a cat after all. Legs all over the place, looking very comfy!

Now look at the picture on the right. She is a teenager after all. Lazing on a sunny afternoon. Legs all over the place, looking very comfy!

Ahh, the joys of the summer and having them off.

All in favour of shortening summer break raise your hand!

Posted in Beth, Life | Leave a comment

So What’s Next?

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Toph

Now that all of the dust has settled from this years’ Cooking For A Cure, one must wonder what other adventures Toph has in mind.

To start with, I have an outdoor wedding this weekend. No silly, not mine. I am cooking for the event. We have another tent coming in to the MoHO and now I am earning my living. 150 lovely folks will be coming and the ceremony will be held in a tent on the parking area of the restaurant. It is really a very cool place for a wedding.

Of course there is the upcoming Pan Ohio Hope ride. You know, the one that take good old girthy Toph from Cleveland to Cincinnati over 4 days and 330++ miles. Yea, that one.

And then, I must get serious about running. What’s that you say? Running? Well at least that is new. I have promised one of the 6-pack riders that I will run a 5k race that is for prostate cancer awareness. Yep, Toph steps from the frying pan right into the flames! So look for some write-ups on that.

I have also been recieving emails on me getting back to more seminary stories. What is it with you people? The seminary wasn’t that exciting! But never say that Toph doesn’t take care of his peeps. So look for that in the near future.

Oh, and the fact that I have like a million diner parties in August, well that is enough to keep me hopping for awhile!

Posted in Life | Leave a comment

2010 Cooking For A Cure Wrap-up

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Toph

All the work, all of the sweat, all of the worry, all accumulated with a 4 hour event that went off without any major hitches. And I am grateful for that.

The weather, although very hot and humid, did not open up with tumultuous downpours of rain and lightning. The setup was first rate. The help was tremendous and the participating restaurants were fantastic. I have to say, that despite my best efforts to screw things up, the night was successful.

We raised almost $4000 in the fight against cancer and had a good time doing so. It was a very long week leading up to the event and I have to say that I was totally drained on Sunday (hence, no post). Now the only thing left is the Pan Ohio ride itself. No worries there…right? It is only 340 miles or so across the state of Ohio. No biggie!

Some highlights of the C.F.A.C. :

Mindi Drayer, weekend news anchor for WCMH NBC 4 was on hand to help us out by raising bail money after she was put under “Tent” arrest. She also helped Emcee the event. She did an awesome job and truly seemed to enjoy helping us out. She was able to raise almost $400 in bail money. She was also a very neat person who took pains to get to know us and what we were all about. She is a very sincere person. Who knows, we may try to talk her into joining us on the bike and joining the 6-pack team!

Speaking of the 6-pack, the entire team was present for the festivities. A true showing for comradeship and solidarity in the cause. It also show how much of a friendship we have formed over the last year. To think that we did not know each other last year at this time and now we are joined in the fight against cancer is an amazing thought. At least to me. The best part of it though is the fact that we all get along really well together. We all enjoy each other’s personalities and companionship. That sure makes the stress of these events easier to deal with and also all of the miles of road go by so much quicker. I am a better person because I know these folks and their families.

The volunteers for the event were awesome as well. Everyone worked without complaint and from what I have heard, all had a good time as well. My co-chair for the event, Kim Weaver, deserves honors for her effort. She worked tiressly for the cause and was there to keep me on track. Thanks KIM!!!

My family was right there with me through the entire process and had to endure the worst of me when I got snappy or stressed out. But showing their love and support helped me get through the tough times.

And the guest were fantastic as well. I heard some great stories of inspiration. We were also greatly appreciated for our efforts. That helps as it keeps me not only grounded, but give me strength to continue the battle.

My hero, Judy Y. was there at the event. She is doing so well and looking great. She also got to meet the 6-pack. That was an emotional time. We were reminded of why we ride. It is for people like Judy. And now Judy can put faces with the names as we tell her of the adventures of the 6-pack.

So in summery, another successful fight in the battle that is cancer. I am very happy and proud of all involved and hope that next year will be even better!

Just an F.Y.I. If your were unable to attend the event, but still want to donate to the cause, just follow the Pan Ohio/6-pack link on the right of this page. Just because this year’s event has passed, that does not mean that the quest for donations has ended. THANKS!

Posted in C.F.A.C. | 2 Comments

Don’t Give In!

Posted on July 16, 2010 by Toph

I must be having a mid-life crisis. I keep hearing these voice. No, not those voices, but new voices. They say things like, “Buy me!” or “Do this before it is too late!”

I have heard these voices before. They are from the stupid me. Stupid me has got me in trouble in the past. That is why I recognize the tone pf the voice. Like, “Go ahead, do more Jager shots, they are okay!” That was stupid. “Go ahead, drive after consuming all of those Jager shots.” Again, stupid me speaking. “She’ll appreciate you for telling her she has a fat butt!” Again, stupid me scores.

But right now, the stupid voice is very insistent.

I have been hearing, “Dude, you would look really good in that sporty Jeep.”

Shut up, stupid.

“Wouldn’t you rather have a nice big motorcycle? Just think what and where you could go on that thing!”

Stupid, shut up.

“Why did you wait so long? You can still get some tattoos. It’s never too late for that!”

No way stupid, shut up already!

“A twelve pack of Krispy Kremes….yum…”

Hmmnnn, stupid may be on to something there…..NO…NO, stupid me, go away!

I just can’t explain why stupid me is so vocal at the moment and I really do not like any of stupid me’s suggestions. It has to be the male version of mid-life. It is all I can attribute it to. Do you think there are pills for stupid or should I just drink even more beer?

See how tricky stupid can be!

Posted in Life | 2 Comments

Working Part Time

Posted on July 15, 2010 by Toph

Good tune!

Just like I have been doing, working part time, all the time!

Just wish I could call in sick when I get drunk…enjoy!

Posted in Music | Leave a comment

Getting Close!

Posted on July 14, 2010 by Toph

Well, it is about all over but the shouting. I reached this point last year as well. You put it together, with a lot of help, and then you just have to sit back and wait to see what the turn out will be.

I think this is going to be the tough part. It was last year as well. And now you also have the folks who are trying to help you. Bless them very much. It is just that I have no idea what to tell them.

The most often asked question is, ” What do you need me to do?”

“Sell tickets!” is my most often reply, but it seems that is not what folks want to hear.

So I shrug my shoulders and say, “I’m good!” Which is true. There is nothing to be done but wait for the always present gremlins that will poke their ugly heads up at the most inopportune time, as they always do.

But it will be what it is. I have to come to grips with that and do what I do best, manage. Okay, I didn’y say I was the best at managing, just what I do best is manage.

Lot’s of room for interpretation, eh!

Posted in C.F.A.C., Cancer Battle | Leave a comment

R.I.P. George Steinbrenner

Posted on July 13, 2010 by Toph

No, I didn’t like him. I did respect him. Actually, to say that I didn’t like him is unfair. After all, I didn’t even know him and nor did he know me. We didn’t run in the same circles, he and I. I guess I didn’t like what he stood for.

And that was New York Yankee baseball. When they won, he was insufferable. When they lost, he was an incurable whiner. He bought his World Series victories. At least, to a bitter Indians fan, such as myself, that is how it seemed. I could not stand his public meltdowns nor is pouty ways. I did, at times, find them to be very amusing. He and Billy Martin together were great entertainment for me!

But I did respect him. Every winner deserves his due and no one can say that George Steinbrenner was anything but a winner. His New York teams proves that. If he did not win, he went out and got what he needed to win. For that, he had my admiration, begrudging as it may have been.

There are many sport’s team owners who could learn a thing or two from George. Cleveland, do you hear me ?

Posted in Life, history | Leave a comment

Ohio Backyard

Posted on July 13, 2010 by Toph

Yes, it has been hot. Yes, it has been very muggy. Yes, we get some very violent thunder storms, but just look at the flowers that can be grown!

And by the way, I am not complaining about the weather one bit!!!! I love this time of year. I love the heat and the stuff that goes on outside in the summer. The wife on the other hand, not so much. As much as I love this time of year, she loathes it. She is in love with the winter, which I loath.

Opposites do indeed attract.

Posted in Life | Leave a comment

More Music

Posted on July 10, 2010 by Toph

Because it has been a few weeks…

Posted in Music | Leave a comment

Crazy Time

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Toph

I am not freaking out…yet. Close, but not yet.

We are a week from the second annual Cooking For A Cure. This last week has been what we expected. Lose some, gain some. Same as last year. You just do not know what is going to happen in this game. The big difference this year is the fact that I am ready for that. So when the denials come and the folks who promised stuff and yet do not come through, well, I know that is part of the game.

I am still getting very antsy. I can not help it. It is like a body blow with every set back. It is a constant worry about ticket sales. It is a like having your microwave on high, all of the time, and the “BEEP BEEP” just isn’t close. You really want that frozen burrito to be done, but you look at the timer and you are just not even close.

So if I do not have a stroke this week, I will keep plodding on and hope for the best.

DO YOU HAVE YOUR TICKET YET?

Posted in C.F.A.C. | Leave a comment

Working It!

Posted on July 8, 2010 by Toph

What studs!

Here are Scott and Shannon working the Morgan House booth during last month’s Zoofari and is now featured on the Columbus Alive website.

As you can see, both Shannon and Scott are pushing the upcoming Cooking For A Cure event.

Great Job Guys!

Posted in C.F.A.C. | 1 Comment

Time To Jam

Posted on July 8, 2010 by Toph

Tonight I will be taking in the jam band moe. who will be in town. Here is a little taste.

Posted in Music | Leave a comment

Vacation Shorts

Posted on July 7, 2010 by Toph

As you know by now, I just got back from vacation. Here are some random thoughts on my latest journey.

Long Trip

We traveled to Jacksonville, North Carolina. A trip of quite a few miles. It took over 12 hours, including stops, to make the trip by car each way. That is a lot of car time. But being who I am, I kept thinking in the historical context. How long would that be on horseback? By wagon? Walking? A very long time. Think in terms of months. For me it was just a half of a day.

And during the car trip, we were able to entertain ourselves with music and games on a phone. Who knew? And the fact that you could stop every couple of miles and get whatever you wanted, from gas and food to adult videos, well that is just frosting on the cake! The infrastructure of America is great. We have come a long way in 230 years.

Quite A Bang

I was correct about the Marines being able to light off some great fireworks. And the fact that I was viewing them from a sailboat anchored in a bay in the middle of a Marine base, just way cool. The only thing missing was the concussion that you feel in your chest when some of the big boomers go off. The fact that you could hear the sound waves travel around the bay more than made up for that, though.

Need To Say Thank You MORE!

Before the Fourth, there was a big party and there were many active and even more more former Marines present. They were all in civilian clothes, but there is no mistaking the mark of the Marines. Most of these folks were and are active in our ongoing wars. Thank you! I have to admit that I felt a little awkward in the presence of so many soldiers and veterans. Especially with the fact that I never served. This fact hit home as one of the folks went around asking all of these soldiers if it was going to be okay if he lit off some firecrackers later that night.

I was wondering why a Marine was being so polite after a evening filled with so many insults and adult language. It took me more than a minute to figure out that he was asking because he didn’t want to freak any of the veterans out. This would not be funny for them to see one of our hero’s diving for cover on the Fourth. Again, my heartfelt thanks!

And the ones that may have been bothered were warned before hand so that they could seek shelter. How serious is that? And, again, they show their bravery by removing themselves so that others can enjoy some home-brewed fireworks. More sacrifices on their part. So I had no problem cooking on the grill for these folks. The least I could do!

Jar-heads Are Jar-heads

No matter how old they get, no matter what rank they are or were, no matter how much they imbibed, Marines are Marines and there was at least one fight during the big party. Just think of what they do to people they don’t like. As I was leaving the party, I made the mistake of saying goodbye to the host, who at the time was in an intense stare-down with someone. As I turned to leave, I found myself in a headlock and was about to be beat into the patio. OOPS!

Other Marines came to my quick rescue and the original combatants were just as quick to go back to their stare-down. I was asked the next day what had happened.

“I said good bye.” I replied. I was then asked how I got in the position that I found myself in and why didn’t I prevent it. I laughed out loud on that one! You see, nothing I could have done would have prevented the head lock. He could have come from behind me, from the side, straight on, or even on a pogo stick and I still would have ended up in a head lock. I am just not good at physical confrontation and I just had to prove that point! We all dream of being bad asses. In most cases, such as mine, not so much.

Needless to say, I beat a hasty retreat!

Just Who Is McGee?

As we were traveling around the area, you can not help but see the road signs proclaiming what you you were traveling over. New Bern River. Nuesse River Basin. McGee’s Crossing. Okay, just who was McGee and why did he have a crossing named for him? You see these things everywhere, not just in North Carolina. I still do not know who McGee is or what is his story. I do not know if he is even a “he”. I am reminded of the movie, “Back To The Future” where they take the train over the gorge and the character used the the name “Clint Eastwood”, so the gorge was named, “Eastwood Gorge” I know, thinking too much again!

Good Trip

All said and done, a very nice trip. When you can get home and want to go back, I would say that is a successful vacation.

Posted in Life | 4 Comments

Home Again!

Posted on July 6, 2010 by Toph

Home at last after two long car rides! Sorry that I did not have much time to get on the nets while I was gone, but someone had to step up and drink all of that beer. When it came down to it, I was the man for the job!

But I am back now and hope to return you to regularly scheduled programing starting by tomorrow. Hope you enjoyed your vacation from my ramblings as well!

Posted in Life, blog info | Leave a comment

Happy 4TH!!!!

Posted on July 4, 2010 by Toph

Here I am on a Marine base, ready for some bodacious fireworks. I mean if the Marines can’t put on a big display of fireworks, who can?

North Carolina has been fun so far and the family have been enjoying the experiences. Sailing, cookouts and drinking. How could one go wrong?

So I hope you all get a real big bang out of your holiday!

Posted in Life | Leave a comment

Travel Day!

Posted on July 1, 2010 by Toph

I am off To North Carolina. I did not call ahead and warn them.

Alright, I did. They are preparing a great welcome, I am sure. None the less, I will be in route all day today and plan to get there later tonight. The good news for you all is that I will be packing a computer, so I hope to be able to write while I am there.

You folks are so well taken care of by Toph!

Anyway, have a great day!

Posted in Life | Leave a comment

Every Ride Is An Adventure

Posted on June 29, 2010 by Toph

There are a few things that you should judge a group bike ride by. One is the folks you are riding with. Obviously, you can not use this to judge a solo ride. After all, if you are on a solo ride and you do not like the company, odds are that you will not like any group ride either. But if you are on a group ride and you like the folks you are riding with, generally it is a good ride. Doesn’t always happen that way, but if you can walk away from a ride and still shake hands with the folks you ride with, it is a very good ride indeed.

Such was the case on Sunday. The five member 6-Pack rode again and it was a great ride. It was because the people I was riding with are my friends and we get along. I find this to be a very important reason of why I ride.

Another criteria for a good ride is that you discover many new things. Again, this was a good ride as I discovered Cleveland on a bike. Not just a part of Cleveland, I discovered a city. And it was beautiful. We traveled around the city for 105 miles. I saw the metro parks, downtown, the arena;

“s and even a submarine. We felt hills and weather and history, all in one ride. So again, it was a good ride.

The final judgement is, in fact, the memory. Two days later, when I close my eyes, I can still see the road, the buildings, the beauty. I still see the river with the fishermen lined on the dam, poles in hand, hoping for trout. I still see the placid water that makes up the Erie Canal, which even after 170 years, leaves no doubt that this waterway is in fact a canal. I still see the gospel revival that was in the a park by the lake. I say that because I do not know where we were! But there was life there, and I witnessed it for a brief, glimmering moment. I witnessed the natives. They are the people who blessed us with their homes and neighborhoods. I think they were staring at me much more than I was staring at them. I wanted the ride to end. They were wondering if I and the rest of the 6-pack were indeed, nuts.

We did make the ride home. We were again much stronger because of the ride, not because of the miles. Every ride is different.

Every ride is an adventure.

Posted in Biking | Leave a comment

Mother Nature Is A Wicked One

Posted on June 29, 2010 by Toph

I finally got a tent for my deck. Took a few years, but it provided some shade and looked very cool! I screwed the supports to the right places and made sure everything was done right so that it would last the season.

Looks very nice, right? Up against the house, all is good, great place to hang and read, drink some cold ones and relax after a very hard day. So very cool!

See. This is what happens when you mess with Mother Nature. I wasn’t home, I was still on the return trip from Cleveland, but it was reported that during a brief, yet violent thunder storm, the tent went “POOF”. Bethany reported the sound to be not a loud bang, but one like a crumpling. So you can see she was right. The tent crumpled. Flat.

The tent is a complete loss. It’s poles were bent and misshaped and was basically, like crumpeled paper. It must have been a very good downdraft to fold that tent like that.

Oh well. Nobody was hurt, No major damage except for the tent. And it was easily removed from the deck. I am very happy to say that not one screw came out of the deck. Everything else was pulled away from the screws, but the screws held firm!

Posted in Life | Leave a comment