The New Water Cooler
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WTG C! That is impressive he made it to the top 3. Do they only choose 1 student?
I have a good cook book for anti inflammatory recipes. I'll look for it and give you the name. I bought it on Amazon. There are some really good recipes in there. Are you sure you didn't injure your shoulder or have bursitis and a doctor can help you with it or PT?
There is a Mardi Gras Pop Up Dinner at a local restaurant, take out or eat in. We ordered some dishes to pick up for our dinner. Jambalaya, Catfish, Red Beans and Rice with Beignets (1 each) for dessert. We are going to the ice sculpture contest first and then we will pick up our dinner and bring it home. It's a beautiful sunny day but some wind gusts.
Do you get to watch the proposal? It's interesting how younger people include parents/family in the proposal now rather than an intimate occasion for just the two of them. Where is the engagement party?
I hope you and your family have a wonderful day.0 -
Yeah - the scholarship will only have one award. But he's up to a 33% chance!
I will have to mention the shoulder to the doc next time. I don't think it's an injury - at least I can't remember an injury. I
How was the Mardi Gras dinner? Sounds yummy.
We didn't see the proposal, the parents were 'hiding' at the site and then they all came to golf course room "for a drink" and the group of mostly friends and a few family were there to surprise her with the party. It seems she really didn't suspect anything until that day. And the party was a surprise. So they all did good. Oh, the party was at the golf course that Christian works at. It was very nice. My sister was super stressed because she wasn't in complete control and because you know baby girl. I'm sure she will feel super stressed more as this goes on. But this first event is done. It is honestly weird for all of us since these sorts of events are not what the family is used to. Hopefully we do right by C girl. (I have Caleb or Mr C and niece is Caitlin or Miss C).
Today we are working on the paperwork for refund for the trip and what a freaking pain. I don't know why I thought it wouldn't be a pain. But now they want proof of what we paid. I have been doing auto pays for like three years now and I don't even have bank statements back that far because I have shredded since it started. I went online and the search won't go back that far and Caleb's account is deactivated. I'll have to call the bank tomorrow and they better be able to get what I need.0 -
I don't remember C making the decision not to go on the trip. Wow, now you have more stress getting money back. They don't make it easy for a reason. Shouldn't they have record of what each student paid too? How do they know you are paid up otherwise?
I'm glad the proposal went well and she was surprised about the party. Let the wedding plans begin. Have they chosen a date?
David messaged me last night and asked if we wanted to portal this morning. We said yes and when we answered the call, Jeff, Karah and Miles were on the call too. Nice surprise! It was so cute to hear Miles saying "uhoh" when he dropped a toy. Lots of jabber too. He and Halen just stared at each other and then lost interest and both went off to get into trouble and explore things while parents weren't watching. I can't wait to get to FL.
Jeff and Karah confirmed they are having a girl due June 24th! So exciting! I was given permission to tell people but am not allowed to post anything on Facebook. They don't do social media much and are very private people.
David took a job with some company that does cabling and fiber installation on oil rigs. He will work for them when not fishing. It requires leaving the country for some trips. He will be going to Angola in March for 4 weeks or so. The money is good and will allow them to pay off debt and buy a bigger home if he stays with it. Hopefully he also gets to make his fishing season for that money too. I worry about their marriage with him being gone for long periods of time and not seeing Halen for lengths of time too. I hope what he will be doing is safe. I'm a worrier...
I finally ordered my bike rack and the hitch gets installed tomorrow. I found a high rated rack for a good price so I'm pleased. Now to figure out if I can sell my bike and get a different one that suits my knee situation, height, getting on and off easily, etc.
I hope you had a good weekend and are relaxed to face the week. The sun is out again here and it is suppose to get into the 30's this week. Winters not over yet but we can feel and see the end coming.0 -
So exciting about the new granddaughter!
I totally get what you are saying about worrying. I am a champion too.
yes, Caleb had decided at the last moment for the cancellation window to withdraw. For him he was more willing to cancel because they were saying that it was likely that the countries would be changed (i.e. probably no Germany) and that was what seemed to tip him. Whatever, while I am sad he doesn't get this trip, I am still really relieved. I believe he will have other opportunities.
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With what is going on in Eastern Europe who knows what is going to happen and how it will affect Europe in the near future. Putin is an idiot and I hope the Russian people turn against him. C made a smart decision and I hope you get your refund.
We took my car in to get the hitch on. It is still there and we go back to pick it up later. We walked at the mall and I was able to walk a little further, just under a mile now. It is hard for me but I will go the distance eventually. Lots of seniors walking the mall before the stores open, 50-100 people maybe? We went to a bike shop in Traverse City to scope out new ebikes that have the features I want for on/off entry and exit due to my knees, handle bars and seat that provide an up right seating, good components, etc. We found one I hadn't considered and I put some money down to hold it while I continue to think about it. I really don't think the local bike shop is going to decide to sell off a used Norco ebike and if they do it won't be priced much lower than what I would pay for this new one. I'm leaning towards just buying the new one I put on hold because it meets all my requirements. I have the month of March to decide and can get my money back if I don't buy it.
I am so tired of winter and just want to get outside and dig in my flowers, plant the garden in the troughs we bought, ride my bike, hike, and sit on the porch. Is that too much to ask?
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I was able to book a campsite in MN at a county park near our old house for June 6-13. We are going to go for a week, see Rory and Hannah and any friends that want to get together. I'm amazed I was able to get a site. Reservations opened at 8am MN time today. Now I will check MI and WI state parks/private campgrounds and see if we can fit in a few more mini trips. I find the reservation process so frustrating.
Hope you have a wonderful day. I'm off to sign up for the gym in Suttons Bay and get oriented to the equipment.0 -
Well - it's happening again. Bernie is out of a job. I really thought Flexcon was it. But I guess corporate disagreed and thought he wasn't getting enough done. I should have encouraged him to start the hunt a couple of months ago when he brought it up. I am so over these ups and downs (and downs and downs and dowwwwwnnnn). Sigh. And I shouldn't have been so aggressively paying off the mortgage because I have depleted my savings. Oh yeah, and just bought a freaking truck. Good grief. And owing taxes. So much fun.0
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I'm sorry Bernie lost his job. That is rough! Will he have many options in your area and how is he doing? Don't beat yourself up about aggressive payments. That is wise and you didn't know what was coming. Is he emotionally ready to begin the hunt?
I finally got my hair cut yesterday. I went short. Chin length with side swept bangs. It feels so much better!
The local bike shop called me and offered me two different bikes. One is the one I've wanted but now I'm stressing about which is the better buy, the one I put down a deposit or the one I've been interested in used. I'm going to look at the used one today and hope I can ride it on a dry street. I didn't get to test ride the new one yet so won't be able to compare.
I joined the gym yesterday and did a short work out with cardio and some weight machines for upper body. I have a long way to go.
I hope you can keep the stress down in your household during this difficult time. I hope Bernie hits the pavement to find something new so you can feel less worry and stress. Hang in there!0 -
Yay for new hair and bike options. I hope you can give each a test and get the one that fits you best. You just keep working it!
We jumped on the resume re-building last night. It's a different ball game now since he has so much more experience trying to balance getting the right stuff in without have four pages (and getting it back to two has been almost impossible). There are several job possibilities locally. But as realist I know it's easier to get a job when you have a job and the ones open have been open for awhile and that means internal issues usually. But gotta do. I want to scream and cry and walk away, but I have to put on the we are partners face and drive the bus through this. I am the resume writer, cover letter writer, interview prepper, company researcher.
Here we go0 -
Ready, Set, Go! Send those resumes! Unfortunately, Bernie may have to take a job that is not his dream to keep the family stable. C going to college, etc....
I drove in to town to see the used bike I was offered to buy. Just before I left the snow started falling so there was no way I could test ride but I did go see it. I wasn't impressed over all with its condition. The color was cobalt blue just like the new one I'm looking at. It feels lighter, I can lift it to get on to a rack. I liked the handle bars and it was an easy on and off. I didn't like the electronics for viewing mph, distance ridden, etc. Not as nice as what I have currently and what is on new bike. I was told it is a 2021 model and ridden only last summer season as a rental. It is pretty dinged up so I assume riders fell or didn't treat it well. For the price they are asking I would hesitate to purchase unless it rides like a dream. It did not have the seat feature that makes the seat go up and down with a push of a button. That model is suppose to have that but the guy told me it wasn't on that one. It's the reason I wanted the bike so not so sure I would pay the price for this one. For $450 more dollars I get a new bike never ridden and better components, no dings... I put money down and plan to ride both when we get a nice day. Then I'll make my decision. Leaning towards the new bike if it fells good when I ride it.
My sister stopped by and visited for awhile today. I hadn't seen her in a couple of weeks.
We are watching Maine Cabin Masters and going to have cheese, crackers, veggie tray for dinner. Still snowing outside! Spring is a long ways away.0 -
it sure felt like spring here yesterday - it was over 70!! A bit cooler today and then warmer again, but I'm sure that will fall off. I like to call this fake spring.
I think Zach might be coming tonight for Spring Break. Wow, can't believe it's that time already.
I hope you get to test both bikes soon!0 -
We might see 50's on Saturday. So much snow on the ground! I will wait until next week to test ride. I think it is suppose to rain Sunday and Monday so maybe the roads will clear when temps are in the high 30's next week.
Exciting Z is coming home! He is almost done with this year. How is Bernie holding up?
I went to the gym today for my second time. I have to reign myself in and do it gradually. I rode the stationary bike for two 10 minute intervals, did upper body weights and weight machine for glutes. 45 minutes was enough.
I am beginning to try an intermittent fasting approach to eating to see if I feel better and can burn some fat. I am going to eat within an 8 hour window and fast for 16 hours. Basically eating between 11:30am and 7:30pm. I'll see if I can do it and if any positive effects happen. Paired with resistance exercise I'm hoping to eliminate some inches.
You are lucky to get such warm temps this time of year.0 -
Zach should be at home by now. He stayed up in Wayne last night to go out with friends. I am so glad he has friends!! Almost done with his junior year. He'll have to reach out and see if he can (if he wants to) intern here again this summer. There is a leader of the IT department, so who knows if he'll change things.
I try not to eat until 10 am and then not after 7 pm, but I don't know that it really helps me aside from giving me a smaller window to eat in. I still manage to eat too much.
Friyay
Way to go on getting to the gym0 -
I hear you about eating too much within the window. I've done that in the past and am trying to stay aware of that. I eat lunch, one snack, and dinner so far. Who knows if it will help or not. I'm trying to drink lots of water too but constantly have to go to the bathroom. I was up twice in the night. I hate that. I'm sore from the little bit I've exercised. Always out of shape...
How long will Z be home for break? Does he want to come home for the summer and work?
I just downloaded all of Jeff and Karah's wedding pictures so I can pick what I want to print.
Tomorrow I have a busy day. I'm meeting an old classmate to look at his mother's jigsaw puzzles (tons of them) to buy some off of him. She has Alzheimers so doesn't do them anymore. Then I'm meeting my friend Laurie for lunch. We may go to her house to watch a movie in the afternoon. She is a movie nut and has hundreds!
My bike rack arrived so Russ is going to put it together in the morning so we can learn how to use it. I need to check and see if my bike has been tuned up so I can pick it up this next week.
Rory and Hannah went to Phoenix for the weekend. I hope they are having warm, sunny weather. It was a sunny day and tomorrow will hit 50. Melt snow melt!!!!
The coyotes sure are prowling around here at night. Tracks go across our property at the bottom of the driveway into the pine grove and along the property line towards the orchard.
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It has been raining hard since yesterday afternoon. We had lightening and thunder last night. It has washed snow away on the driveway and road but there is a slick layer of ice under the puddles. The snow hills are going down. If the weather stays warmer we may get lucky and get some of this stuff out of here. March and April can still bring snow but at least we would have glimmers of spring.
I spent yesterday picking out puzzles, 6 of them, having lunch with my friend Laurie, and then we went to her house to chat and watch a movie. We watched Dear Evan Hanson. It was good and about those high school years of insecurity, etc. That sparked a discussion about our time in house school together and would we go back and how we are now. It was a fun day.
Russ has left with his new guy friends for another gun show. It's what these guys do to have guy time together on Sundays. They are hunters or like to shoot at the range. Nice of them to include Russ. It is in Grand Rapids, MI which is at least a 2 hour drive each way. I hope they have safe roads. Charlie and I are lounging and watching Food Network. This afternoon I will go with my cousin Polly and sister Becky to a concert at the Old Art Building in Leland. The Accidentals and some of their Nashville musician friends are playing, discussing songs they have written and the story behind them and playing those songs for us. The Accidentals are from Traverse City and graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy near here (international arts school). Russ and I saw them in Mpls twice and really enjoy them. They are young an very talented.
I hope you have had a good weekend and relax today or enjoy C singing if he has a concert.
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Just enjoying Zach being home. Trying to act like I'm not worried and all is good in the world. As word gets around people will of course ask if everything is ok. And you what drives me nuts. It's not like you can actually be honest. If you open yourself up and say, no it's not ok right now. It's always the ridiculous platitudes. Oh well, it's all for the better, better job will come along, you're in a good position. Whatever. You know what? Then don't ask if a person can't honestly state how they are feeling at the moment. Feeling mad, sad, exhausted, broken - whatever doesn't mean you won't come out the other side. Sigh.
Did Rory have a good trip?
Spent some time working with Caleb prepping him for his scholarship interview. Hopefully he took what I gave him and is doing the practice and the rest of the prep.
He is excited that Runza will soon be closing (they are tearing down and rebuilding). He already has over 17 months doing the fast food craziness, most of that during the heights of a pandemic and he is over it. He is ready to be done. He has been holding on and not wanting to quit so he could finish strong.
Have a good night!0 -
You must feel so stressed about Bernie's employment status. I'm so sorry you are going through all this stress and worry.
C really has hung in there with his job. That shows a good work ethic and is good for his resume that he was a long-term employee at his age. WTG C!
The concert was really good. My cousin got sick so didn't go but my sister and I went. We got there early enough to get front row seats so that was fun. All attendees had to wear masks so I felt good about that. I picked up my sister and drove her home. We had a glass of wine at her house before I drove to my house. She is remodeling master bathroom so wanted to show me tile, grout color, paint color and fixtures she has picked out.
When are C's interviews? Is Z excited to almost be done with this year and what are his plans for summer?0 -
Snowing like crazy. So much for going to Traverse to test drive the bike I have on hold tomorrow. I did make it to the gym this morning but wouldn't want to drive farther than 1.5 miles to town and back. Bad roads today...
So far I have been doing the intermittent fasting since last Thursday. I'm eating 11:30 to 12, one snack if hungry mid afternoon, and then dinner around 6pm. I allow myself a cookie or something before my 7:30 deadline. We shall see if I can keep it up and if it is positive for my body. It does give more energy I think.
Will spring ever arrive? I know it is only early March here and it can be our worse month but winter feels so long this year.0 -
was this the sister who has been really sick with the stones? Is she finally feeling better? I sure hope so! Your concert also sounds fun.
Caleb has his scholarship (3-panel) interviews on Wednesday afternoon. Whoo, butterflies!
I mentioned to Zach that he needs to email Behlen to see if they will have an intern opening for him this summer. I know he doesn't really want to think about it yet, but with the changes he needs to at least reach out so he knows one way or another.0 -
My other sister went to the concert. The one that has been ill gets her kidney stone blasted next Monday and they will remove the stent and put in a new one for two weeks. I hope this is it for her. She still feels bad.
I checked in with my PT today. All is great and I won't be returning. The gym is going well and bike season will begin in a month and a half or so.
Good luck to C! I would be a nervous wreck. Did Z seem interested in an internship at Behlen?
Sunny day! Russ and I went out for lunch as our big meal of the day. Salad tonight... He is putzing in his wood shop and I'm relaxing in the den with Charlie.
I've decided to buy the new ebike rather than the used one. I think I'll be happier with it and it checks the boxes.
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I picked up my bike from its tune up at local bike shop today. They told me they would rate it in very good condition and it's value as a used bike is about 1600. I paid 1550 for it. This is a little lower than he told me over the phone before he saw it. Either way, if I could get 1600 for it, my investment in my new ebike would be a few hundred less than what I paid for this one. Sounds good to me...
After I pick up my new one next week, I'll take pictures, write up a description, and post on Marketplace and Craigslist. I will list it after we get back from FL mid April.
Lazy day. We went out to breakfast, Russ had a lab appt for blood work, and we picked up my bike and my sister's and delivered to her. We put them both on my new bike rack so I got to see how it works. It will take practice for me to get on and off car, load bikes, take off, etc.
Hope all is well with you. Good luck to C today with his interviews!0 -
fake spring is gone, we have snow and cold again.
I went to the different derm (pa) I made appointment with awhile ago. He thought my skin looked fine. He zapped a few with cold to supposedly wear off some of the spots that bother me. We'll see if that works. They are sore today, but still there. He didn't really explain much about it. All in all I'm not sure.
Bernie was fortunate to have a couple of interviews this week, but it still feels like everything is going so slow. And keeping everything light and easy and sunshiney for Bernie.
I can see Zach has been enjoying probably too many adult beverages and not cutting other calories or exercising more. He has put on quite a bit of weight. I don't love that for him. Just like everyone in this family, we are prone to weight issues and I know overall he wont' be happy.0 -
I'm glad Bernie has had interviews. Does he realize he may have to take something that is not top choice to make ends meet? It sounds like you are having to take care of his emotions rather than yours. I've noticed that with Russ at times. I think men just can't handle difficult times (illness, job problems, etc.) as well as women. They don't have the same coping skills and need lots of attention. Drives me nuts...
I hear your concerns on Z. Rory watched his weight in college and ate a Paleo diet, worked out, ran...He has gotten very large now. He eats a lot of fast food, he and Hannah go out to eat, and he drinks beer all while not working out any more. I wish he would get back on track. His paternal grandfather and father had and have Type II Diabetes. His grandfather was up to 300lbs in his 40's when he was diagnosed. Russ has dropped a lot of weight over the last decade. Rory has been laid off and I asked if he was a member of a gym and working out. Not! He has definitely inherited habits and body problems of his parents. Jeff and David have stayed trim and fit.
So is the PA saying you don't have any spots that he/she is concerned about now? I've had several spots frozen off over the years and some cut out. I really need to follow your example and get checked again. I'll ask my primary to take a look in June when I see her.
I am going to the gym and pharmacy this morning. More snow expected to arrive by Friday eve/Saturday, then warmer temps next week for the great spring deception!
Enjoy your day!
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Yes. I definitely have to take care of Bernie's emotions. On the occasions I put up a fuss about how I am feeling it seems like something bad happens - i.e.this. It's just SO MUCH. As long as I pour everything into making things smooth and easy he's smooth and easy. But never any reciprocity. Sigh.
That was my impression from this PA was that he thought my skin was fine. Not sure about this freezing thing, they are just swollen and weird right now.
Caleb had his scholarship interview yesterday. The panel was the president of the Chamber of Commerce, someone from the Superintendents' office and one of the Dean's from the community college. He thought it went really well. I sure hope so. I looked at the list of the past recipients, there have only been two guys, all the rest gals. I think they're due for an awesome Mr. C on the list! Got some more essays to try to get Caleb interested in working on, but I am feeling low and I know he is too - he knows what is going on and is likely feeling my stress even though I'm doing everything I can to keep it from him.
I'm going to try to remind Zach again about all the empty calories in the alcohol (and the inevitable burger meal that they get too) and that he had promised me to add in some exercise to his week this year at school (like take advantage of the Rec Center). I don't want to make him feel bad about himself, but I just worry.0 -
I hear you about the worry but it has to come from Z. If he is not motivated or hit his saturation point of food and alcohol, he isn't ready to make changes. I would guess that Bernie is unaware how much you do to take care of his emotions and keep everything going smoothly. His nature is not to do that for you. Guys seem more ego centric too.
I have reached the big 61 years today. Wowzer!!!! Where did the years go? I'm grateful to make it this far and hope I live many more years, but it is a shocker to be in my 60's. I don't feel I look it and many tell me I don't, but my body sure feels it in my joints. We are portaling with the grand kids today and going to an Asian Fusion restaurant in a cute town south of us. The weather is sunny and blue skies so a nice day for a drive and dinner by Lake MI.
So much snow! It may snow again tomorrow but warm up next week. I hope a lot of it melts. We will be in FL in 3 weeks!
Have a nice day and good luck to C. I hope he hears soon and gets some money. I think more girls apply for those scholarships than boys. I couldn't get my boys to do anything about it. Glad that is over too.
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The restaurant was good. We were one of only two tables of people when we got there at 3:30. Great service! I had a seafood stir fry with veggies (lobster, crab, shrimp, scallops). The sunny blue skies turned into lake effect snow and practically white out conditions on our way to Frankfort. As we got closer to our destination, the snow stopped and the sun came out. So much for a scenic relaxing drive there. We were lucky on our way home to have a sunny drive with clear roads.
I went to the gym this morning and did a 50 minute work out. I'm tired today so probably need to look at my water intake and what I'm eating to gain more energy. Russ bought me a couple of the cottage cheese with the fruit to be added. I'm eating a blueberry one for a snack. It packs 14 grams of protein but also has 10 grams of sugar.
I joined a group on FB for people living in west MI that ride bikes on west MI bike paths. I want some more trails to ride and am willing to drive a little distance to see new scenery. So far, very helpful info.
Russ is busy cooking an amazing chicken dinner with recipes he saw on The Kitchen, a Food Network Show. I feel like a lucky gal that he enjoys cooking so much. I made him a fried egg sandwich a few nights ago, haha! He appreciated it since it was a no dinner night for him. I never did make him a meat loaf dinner this winter. I'll plan for it either this month or wait until Fall.
I hope you are having a good weekend.
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I went to the gym this morning and then to a market to buy home made sourdough bread. My sister has her kidney stone blasted and the stent taken out today. I'll go over to her house about 4pm and be there when she gets home. I'll make her a light dinner if she wants to eat and spend the night. She has Costco's Tomato Basil Soup and I'm bringing sourdough bread and a salad.
Still cold and snowy here. I hope to pick up my bike on Wednesday even if it rains. At this point I know I'm buying it and may just pick up if I can't take a spin around the parking lot.
Hope all is well with you and yours.0 -
Mmm - sourdough bread. I printed off a recipe for 'chicken shawarma' recently and Bernie has used the seasoning/marinade three times in the last couple of weeks. We all have really enjoyed it. He hasn't even done on the outdoor grill yet because the weather hasn't cooperated, I bet it would be even better then.
Zach wrapped up his break and took off Sunday morning to head back to school. I barely saw him since he slept most of the day, but as usual I enjoy having him in the house. It was really nice that Caleb wanted to spend some time with him hanging out on the couch. I think Caleb is having some friend trouble and felt the need to step back from his online time and get some distance. While I loved seeing them together, I am sad he is having trouble. It's like isn't there enough bad going on?
We just continue to wait. Bernie has put out over twenty apps, while it was great to have two interviews - there has been no additional contact. For all the places crying about needing people, they are back to being very cautious.
It is so great that Russ has turned into such a good cook for you guys. Enjoy that!
I hope your sister has good results and is getting much relief from her trouble.
Yuck - daylight savings time. YAWN0 -
Chicken Schwarama sounds good. I love Indian food!
I slept at my sister's last night and feel like I hardly slept at all. She was up many times in the night moving about and going to the bathroom. They blasted the stone and put in the new stent. She is on a pain killer because the stent is uncomfortable. It will be removed April 4th. She is probably napping right now. I came home about 11 and see a recliner nap in my future. It is sunny and 40's today. Hope to pick up my bike tomorrow or Thursday before it snows again on Saturday.
I feel very lazy and have no motivation today. I'm glad you had time with Z and C home together. When is Z's last day of the semester?
I'm sorry Bernie isn't getting many results. How is he feeling about it?0 -
I picked up my bike today!!! I was able to ride it at the store. It felt so much more comfortable than my current bike with an easy on and off for me. I will need to take it in mid April to get a rack put on it and buy a new bike bag. Their inventory is still coming in and I want choices.
The snow is melting. Temps are in the high 40's to 50's this week. We are suppose to get a storm on Saturday but I know by the time we get back from FL it will feel more spring like.
Has C heard anything on the scholarships?0
