wytfut

[wytfut]

hitting the floor

I've been doing very well. I've had a ton of confidence in the walking stick/staff buddy Rob made me.

Probably too much, as I was having difficult time leaving it. I'd be bringing it along with me, even if I didn't use it.

Went to grandson Jack's high school graduation, and left staff at home. I was fine.... even traversed lots of stairs. I was bushed at the end of the day, but I did it.

With all of the above, I was thinking I'm doing fairly well... maybe better than suspected.

I really try to get something productive done daily. Its a real struggle now that I've been laying around for over 9 months. But I still have my daily intents.

Yesterday in shop, a bit tired from graduation day, decided to tackle some issues on my pickup. Both issues required jacking up pickup and setting on jack stands.

I should have paid attention at this point of placing jack and stands.... maybe I'm not as good of shape as I think.

Nope, still pig headed as ever, and charged on.

Getting to the floor, wasn't all that bad. But getting back up off the floor, was a HUGE ORDEAL. Once old age catches up with you, us older dudes have confessed that the floor isn't our friend. And that as a set boundary.... I'm MUCH MUCH WORSE, than that.

Between the 2 items that needed my attention, it should've been about an hour ordeal. Instead it turned into 3 hours, with plenty of rest breaks.... holy shit

Rolling around on the creeper, pulling myself around.... unbelievable feats of strength I didn't have. Biggest was just rolling over, and getting off the ground/creeper. Took a lot of shoulder/arm strength, I apparently let take a vacation. I was up and down off the ground 20+ times (don't ask... stupid planning), gasping for air, and red in the face.

I've heard a hundred times this healing process is going to take a while, especially with my age. And my itty bitty head just throws that idea into a corner of my brain....

Yes sir, I'm still marching.... today, working on my EH....

[wytfut]

inspiration

Dealing with healing. A whole herd of friends just recently been tackling their own health issues. Seems most are dramatic to a certain extent. Will affect the rest of their lives one way or the other. Its gotta be an age thing, the older you get the more folks you know dealing with challenges.

With my long (so it appears in my itty bitty head) recovery.... I occasionally come across someone who throws inspiration at me.

When I was much younger, inspiration would seem to fire up the old sole. Make my heart skip a beat or jump. Usually fizzling out pretty fast, but tempting at first.

I know folks who run marathons. Folks who have climbed mountains all over the world. Motorcycle ironbutt competitions. Scuba dived the far seas. You get the drift, something extreme and out of the normal.

Like I said past inspirations would fire me up a bit back in the day. It doesn't anymore. Not to degrade such feats, they are impressive, and sometimes I wish I could do that. But they don't inspire me to do something .... special, extreme, abnormal.

Sometimes if presented wrong, it'll actually piss me off.... I cannot explain that at this point... maybe someday.

.....

I'm very comfortable with my self. I feel I know myself pretty well. And if I don't.... its a bit late in the game... and I can except what ever it is I am... that is about as hilarious of a comment as it gets....

....

a few weeks ago, a good old friend tried to inspire me to get back into hiking ... like a champion. As rude as I am, I laughed at him for even suggesting that thought. I'm an ass.

....

As well known we do our annual trek to the same place in Colorado. Before 5 years ago (maybe it was longer), I was the lead dude for hikes. I organized, and did them... grabbing anyone who was interested. The trails we'd hit weren't of significance.... common trail of the area, that flat landers were not expected to do, let alone be seen on them. I truly enjoyed hiking, even with bad hips for many of them. Did it for 40 years or so. Lots of memories (96% all good memories).

I never felt confident enough to attempt to do Longs Peak. Couldnt afford the right equipment. No training for such a hike, etc. Longs although not all that high is a dangerous hike, due to its own weather.

Now my youngest seems to make attempts at that climb every year. He's made it I think 3 times. Its dangerous you need to start at 3 a.m. to beat the weather changes while the sun is up.

....

Last "real" hike I did, I did for myself only. Its like subconsciously I knew it was going to be my last hike. (honestly I did one more after this, very simple short hike, it about killed me, back was messed up). One or 2 miles at the base of Longs.

This last hike I did by myself was to "picture rock". A place my family has hiked just for the family picture. I did it, and videoed it. Very proud of it. No distance, just steep and hard on people older than 13. I just snuck off and did it.

Haven't done one since. .... I walk around the site (not a hike across the yard), but hiking.... well I can't physically do it currently, and if I get into shape, at my age, I'm not so sure I'll hike.... interest lost.

......

Just maybe:

we are each only allotted so much "drive" to do such things in life. Whether physical, or mentally challenging inspiring event.

and maybe each us of are allotted different amounts. Amounts are determined by mentality? Genes? Tempo? General attitude? Environment? Up bringing .... maybe a little bit of all of that.

and once you use your allotment, its the end. Some folks are allotted more than the rest of us, and up until that last heart beat,.... they never run out (if theyd only share).

where as others.... their allotment of doing inspirational things (drive) is about the size of a table spoon. Thimble? Head of a pin?

......

But then again, what if inspiring things aren't defined on a level field.

For example, a marathon to me, would be pure hell (worse now with age). And a person who drives a desk can't imagine something I can do right now all beat up and healing. umm..... .. I'm thinking about all the past hiking I did. Fire Dept. Soccer coaching. Multiple surgeries, fund raising, challenges of being a good friend. Being a good father. etc.

I think thru the right eyes, these examples could be inspiring... and yet dauntless to the right set of eyes... absolutely ridiculous.

Well thats my story and I'm sticking to it...

[wytfut]

Team Fat Jesus...

Being I'm all beat up currently from back surgery. I look here, and at my youtube channel. I think its time for anyone interested in this story, to give some background on our silly little group. I'm sure there is no massive number of folks waiting in the hall. I just want this to get written down. This was one of the greatest adventures I've ever been involved with. And I don't want it forgotten.

If you have not watched any of my youtube channel videos.... be prepared. I get the point across, but I've never said I was good at this.

I've felt its time just to make sure everyone that was involved even just by word of mouth knows the whole story of our Team Fat Jesus.

First thing that needs to be known.... Dennis (fat Jesus) Bennett, Ken Bretz, and I are all Excelsior Henderson owners (1999-2000). And have met, rode, partied, roomed together at several events thru the past 25 years.

......

This happened by coincidence, via Dennis (fat Jesus). The year before we signed on, the Scooter Cannonball, came thru Dennis's home town of Huron South Dakota.

I believe it was by pure chance Dennis saw/heard about them.... and he scurried over to the motel where they were staying that night to see what it was all about.

It hooked him.... as bad as the Antique Motorcycle Cannonball does.

Dennis, Ken, and I have attended several Antique Motorcycle Cannonball "day offs". In this cannonball, when they reach a half way mark, they take off 36 hours to fix/repair/build their bikes. Lucky for us this 36 hour lay over is usually within a day of where we all live.

Dennis, Ken, and I truly love this event, with I'm sure a certain degree in the back of our heads thought maybe just maybe, someday we'd get a shot at being on a team. Its a stretch to believe this, as even the most poor teams, have some very deep pocketed sponsors.

We will still be trying to attend this event when we can. But what Dennis saw that evening in Huron with the scooter cannonball folks was basically the same attitude to compete. And the brotherly love between all of the scooter competitors.

Thats where the idea came from... the initial spark.

......

Within a short time Dennis tossed the idea my way that he'd like to compete. I'll be honest here.... even with age catching up with me, I love the guy, and most likely do anything with him if there was chance of an adventure. I immediately told him, if its a go, I'm in. Shortly after he contacted Ken.... and i'm sure he's in the same boat as myself.

Dennis contacted us both back, and I'll be honest, I was surprised, but I said I would, so I was in. Buddy Ken too....

Dennis's financing was going to be his personal credit cards. This would pay for the basics, but Ken and I would have to find our own funding to get this to fly.

.......

I didn't know much about "go fund me". I didn't know any of the legalities, or even moral perspective. I do know, I didn't like Dennis going deep into debt for a life long adventure. What the hell, I'll sign up on go fund me.... even if it only raised $10, it didn't cost anything to do it.

For what ever reason, THIS TIME, I got lucky. The "go fund me" site was a god send to our team. No it didn't pay for everything, but it was a huge boost to our budget. Lots of good people out there, as we are nothing special.

Scooter cannonball website gave numbers and/or guesstimates on cost's per team, and options to make it work for you. I'm not real sure of their numbers, but we pulled in off go fund me a large sum of cash that was pretty close to a single person team.

I'm sure some have wondered in the backs of their heads about the money, since we only competed one day. No worries folks, not one of us walked away with any cash. With Dennis's injuries, his Wife Steph and Daughter driving out to Las Vegas to pull him out of hospital, motels home.... etc etc etc....

Only profit I saw, was Dennis passing out a few left over Tshirts at the Chrome event this past July.

.......

I have this reputation. My boys speak of it. "honest Abe" they call me. My boys know I'll always tell the truth, as ugly as it maybe. And that's why I included these last 2 paragraphs. Its just me, I have to say that as some folks are just that way.

.......

Las Vegas..... pretty filthy lil village in Nevada. Huge hi dollar fancy pants hospital. Dennis got flown there from Havasu. Being he has long hair and long beard, all bloodied up and dirty, I strongly suspect he was treated unfairly.

The whole time he was there, he never got a bath (this was at least a week if I remember right), brush his hair. Had a shared room with a room mate that died one night.

Ken and I had to drop by and give Dennis his billfold, and other incidentals. Without looking at us, they had us wait in a waiting area, and said only 1 of us at a time could see him.

I know and respect hospital protocols and proceedures. But the person making the decision about us seeing Dennis, just figured we were dirty old bikers wanting in there to raise some hell. Once they came to get "one" of us..... everything changed. Oh... you both can come in... no big deal....

Picture this..... Ken looks like a minister, and I've got a whacky mustache. Yeah, we are a mixed look/group.

.........

Dennis, Steph, and Daughter finally got home..... Dennis had a couple followup surgeries once back to get his shoulder patched up correct. At the chrome event this past July, I think Dennis said his shoulder looked like a crushed pop can.....

........

This year is another year of the Antique Motorcycle Cannonball. It'll be this fall (Sept-Oct). I'm already drooling to go (hopefully I'll be healed enough to do this, at this point in time I don't know if I can even ride). We all 3 will make some efforts to go. There will probably be others joining us. One year we basically had our own Excelsior Henderson bike event at the cannonball...... I think there were 8 of us at Dodge City. Or maybe it was Junction City. Don't matter, still a gas.

As for the scooter cannonball. I can say for myself, it was a blast, we had fun, tempted death (I know, I know), and a ton of brotherly love. Learned so much about scooters. I think (I don't know), Dennis would be tempted to try the scooter event again. Ken I don't know either. I most likely no.... even though it was a life time event for me.

Something I'll never ever forget..... and that makes it well worth the trip.

[wytfut]

BLT..

Well I appear to be healing well. But bored to tears. First 2 weeks, pretty much restricted to doing "nothing".

Thus the acronym BLT, the therapist throws at each blurry eyed foggy brained patient fresh from surgery.

BLT represents the rules of engagement for healing. no Bending.

no Lifting.

no Twisting.

As this was my second time thru the adventure I knew what to expect. First time hearing these rules (if you can comprehend them thru the drug fog), they are very intimidating. Which I was initially (foggy and intimidated).

But I had an unfortunate side event that took me out of the rules of engagement from the get go.

Being in a fog from recovery, all sorts of instructions were tossed at me, from all sorts of medical folks. Most bounced off and laid on the floor.. as I still to this day on the first adventure do not correctly remember my first week after surgery. Pretty much blurry.

In this rapid fire of orders of do's and don'ts, I was given instructions, NOT TO LEAVE ICE PACK ON SURGICAL WOUND, more than 15 minutes. 2 hours after being told this, i woke up from a nap, with my back side on fire. Apparently I was supposed to be awake enough to remove this ice pack after 15 minutes. I was not, and proceeded to frost bit my wound.

From that point on, I couldn't stand any ice packs on the wound. Even this time round 2, I still couldn't handle ice pack back on that old/new wound. I could see disappointment in my surgeons eyes, as I wouldn't even try it. He got it, but he also wanted to try and sooth the wound and shrink swelling.

...........

This time they created the acronym BLT for patients (a new acronym for me). I think its a good guide line. But its an impossible task. It cannot be done in black and white as the rules are written.

I told my surgeons PA first time around that its impossible to do. He smiled slyly and changed the topic.

I'm a rule follower by nature. If I can't follow the rules, my head fights within its self. I won't give up, but its very discouraging.

.....

If you don't have a personal one on one nurse with you 100% of the time you'll not be able to do BLT

examples:

"bending" sitting down. .... well yeah you do bend at the hip. But you also bend via your back (even with your brace on). If the seat it low especially (ie, bed, couch, etc)....

"twisting" ..getting into bed..... first you sit, then supposed to lay onto your side, with your legs lifting as you lay down on your side.. Once in bed, to position yourself, you have to twist, and contort on your side or back to get into a comfortable position. Also note, rolling from your side to the other, more twisting...

"twisting and bending"..... using and sitting on the toilet. Had an issue first surgery,.... I was a life long right handed wiper for as long as I could remember. That surgery, wouldn't let me reach (still will not) around with my right hand to wipe my bottom. I had to learn how to wipe left handed. Even a raised toilet (yeah we got one) is a long long way down, you are just going to bend even with hand holds. As for twisting reread the wiping portion of this paragraph.

"lifting".... "no more than 10 pounds"... cool, my walker weighs that much or more. I've got 1 doorsill and a step I have to use multiple times a day, as I'm supposed to get off my butt and walk around every waking safely lit hour. To do this hourly walk, I have to lift my walker up and or down.

.......

This wasn't to discourage anyone, from this surgery. Or make anyone feel bad (surgical staff). Hell I'm far from any sort of an authority on back surgery or recovery.

But there has to be a better way to write/say these rules.

LOLOLOL..... maybe a simple "DO NOT BLT IF AT ALL POSSIBLE".... kind of open ended, but maybe easier to understand?

At least I haven't seen any "therapy cops" anytime I've broken the above rules.

[wytfut]

Being spineless...

Well I've survived another round of spine surgery.

So far it appears its going to be successful. Only pain I'm enduring is the wound.

Funny thing, I've been in so much pain for so long.... I kinda forget what level it is when asked.

Yesterday they wanted to know the level of pain i was in. .... I had to actually think about it. Nothing dramatic, except I look at pain from a different direction anymore....

Just sitting there, the pain level was around 3. But I told her, if I have to move.... a solid 9. I guess a person learns how to adjust for it, especially if the end isn't near. At least in the long run for me.

Before surgery.... I could've survive my discription for days. Now I'm "healed", its a new game.

......

Looking back at my surgeons "group".... its interesting. 3 other guys Ive known for years have gone to him. It seems they just needed talked into it.... via me? l don't feel I carry that kind of weight, but one of them told me thank you personally for talking him into it. Good Ol Rob Pageler (probabaly not spelled right). He made a big deal out of it, thanking me. I was over whelmed, due to the fact, he's a hard headed old Marine. Bill Neimeyer was just a simple conversation, as the VA (Sea Bee) wasn't helping him. And Good old Mike Danley just kinda just called one day wanting to know the ins and outs (Air Force?).

Maybe I should be looking at a discount for drumming up work. Finally just out of coincidence, Dr. Gogela drilled my best old friend's head to relieve pressure from his cancer tumor. Tom Kohn another Sea Bee... it got him another couple of weeks, much needed for his family to say good by. For that, I'm grateful to Dr. Gogela.

......

Never in a million years did I imagine, I'd be on a first name basis with spine topics. Scoliosis for most if not all of my life. Never a back issue, except once (pulled muscle).

Thinking back now.... even 40+ years, I think I may have had back problems, but would blame it on "tired" back. Many of the aches/pains/booboos my back tells me, arent all that unfamiliar. I've had them many times before, believing my back was tired. As they'd all always go away after a few moments.

.......

I've been humbled so many times thru my life time.

And it surprises me every single time. FOLKS.... I'm not that nice of a guy. Oh I try to be a good boy.... but it doesn't always work out.

So again this time around, I've had messages delivered to me from all over the world by some mighty fine people. People that have actually noticed this grumpy old fool from the flat lands of Nebraski.

I appreciate all and everyone. Pretty sure I don't deserve them....

I'm going to give it my all AGAIN to get back in some sort of shape, just for you folks that wish me well. You deserve it. Be too easy just to sit back and drool on myself.

thanx everyone

[wytfut]

Days of yore

As climate changes so do things of the past that used to be so common. (by the way, if you don't believe in climate change, you live in a cave).

We just had our second blizzard of this year yesterday. I can't remember exact year of our last blizzard. I do remember one Xmas 2002 or 2006 (?). It landed a ton of snow. Only thing I had that'd get about was my red 1 ton crew cab (one of my favorite trucks). It was a definite 6"+ of crusty snow. No body was getting around easily.

Both of these recent storms, although fast sideways snow, didn't amount to much on the ground, compared to days of past. I bladed them off within an hour after.... e z p z.

In the past, it was common for at least me and close friends to get out into the snow and drive around. It was an adventure. Did we get stuck. Yes we did. All the time? no... unusual at best.

At the phone company thru the years, we'd get a heavy snow (blizzard?), and HAVE TO BE in it, or not get paid. Snow removal, broken poles, downed cable, and hauling employees to or from work. It was expected and nobody thought nothing of it. Surprisingly, no 4 wheel drive. Just chained up trucks of all sizes. I'll be honest here, I think we had one 4wd, but who knows where it was hiding or if it ran.

.....

On the fire dept, bad weather wouldn't stop emergencies. In fact it appeared that it would increase our load.

We at that time had one 4 wheel drive, and it was a canvas top with no heater, military truck. Again, we'd chain up ALL of the trucks, and do our thing as required. Rescue too.

We had semi truck and trailer.... yup, itd have to come to scenes too, usually chained up.

Remember one late night just before Xmas (1980's), we had 2 fatality fires (both mutual aid calls) and 1 frost bite rescue, during a huge snow storm. There had to be 8"+ on the ground with 4' drifts on the road running hundreds of feet in the road.

It was real cold (single digits?), as it took 2 of us to push the shifter in gear, the linkage grease was so stiff. And of course Nebraski wind on top.

......

Had do drive few snow storms for Gana, for snow removal. Sometimes driving on your own time for over an hour, picking and choosing your way thru the storm and closed roads.

Then once getting there having to drive something bigger than one lane of traffic for another extended period. Or a dump truck on very slick surfaces in traffic.. Usually at night.

A couple of times thru the years at Gana, we worked straight thru for over 24 hours. Of those, one was 35 hours.

.......

Now.... I'm not really whining here, or bragging. I'm not the best driver or the worst. I was just doing my job, and because I was, I got experience under my belt.

Some years back, I was talking to a vehicle insurance agent. And this maybe isolated, or out of context, but she referred to me as a "professional" driver. HUH?? WHERE'D THAT THOUGHT COME FROM. And she listed my driving experiences,.... equipment operator, Linetruck driver, Ambulance driver, Dump truck driver, Semi driver, Fire truck driver, pick up/car, motorcycle driver, etc. ....

I had never thought of any of my driving as such. I was just doing my job. PROFESSIONAL..... really??

I pride myself on my driving record. Its been clean since.... well, its gotta be the 70's as I don't remember the last time. I do try to be careful, but I'm only human, and yup, I screw up. Nothing of relevance at this time, but enough to have me second guess. Really no more issues now with old age, than the past 40+ years.... from where I can tell.

.......

During yesterdays storm, a ton of texting was going on between family members. Luke mentioned he didn't know if he had enough gas to run his generator until Monday (it was wednesday), as that is when the power company would get the power back up and running.

I knew Luke with his little 4wd truck, wouldn't try to come to town to get gas. So I offered to deliver my 5 gallons in my full sized 4wd truck.

I was met with almost instant resistance via text. Honestly wasn't expecting it. With it being a slushy heavy snow, I knew I'd make it with no really big issues. Probably have to take my time, or travel a different route... but that's to be expected.

At first I was pissed.... I was..... note name of this blog grumpy pants. As in "HOW DARE THEY QUESTION MY HONORABLE OFFER..."

Then I was sad, am I really that old and unreliable?.... What about?????

I was sitting there stewing, and wanting something to do. Getting a lil bit more pissed, and a touch more sad.....

when it dawned on me..... I don't really want to do this. Believe it or not, my back was not directing my decision here. I actually was thinking clearly.

With old age, I'm less tolerant of stressful situations. Driving to Lukes, would be stressful. How so you may ask????..... I'd have my hunny scorching me verbally before I left and worried sick until I was home. The rest of the family would all be worried about my adventure...... Those that knew it was happening. And then there would be the aftermath from the people that didn't know about it, doing the arm chair critque.

Sorry I just don't need that kind of stress while I'm driving. My itty bitty head can't hardly handle one thought at a time. I'm driving in a situation that requires my attention, AND wondering what they are all wound up about.

Lukes gas was handled by another party, unbeknown to me in the mean time.

I miss those sorts of adventure. Stress free and challenging. I know I could do it easily, but didn't. No stress...

[wytfut]

keeping in the groove...

In my physical state, its easy to let the doldrums to grab you by the nutz and change your point of view about everything in general.

It can be a battle. I'm sorry but its been 9 long months of unknowns. I second guess everything about my physical state.

....

Because of this, I've felt a bit displaced in my regular activities. Really miss tinkering on my Bike, the rat truck, or just general maintenance on anything. Putting around on the acreage. Hell just jumping on the X and going for a nice ride.

Watch way too much TV.... good lord!!

...

In recent weeks I've been contacted by a young man (Johnny Gilbert Jimenez) in Vail Arizona, who just happened to watch one of my videos. Surprise to me, didn't know anyone watched them.

This guy (very polite, respectful..... military guy) received a 1999 Excelsior Henderson as a gift from his boss. This X is a 6000 mile virgin. What a nice gift (or is it..... LOLOLOLOL!!, as Luke would say)...

Absolutely no updates other than at some time a past owner had fooled around with the fuel system (we found that issue). It has the 1999 tires on it.... thats how much of a virgin it is.

He's doesn't have any wrenching skills that I can tell from here. Far from a large assortment of tools. He does have his father, and grandfather helping him. So he does have a support group of sorts there. They know nothing of EH's, but they have some limited wrenching skills/experience (vehicle maintenance?)

Helping him has been all text, email, video phone, phone calls, and throwing rocks at each other.

He initially tackled a leaky slave cylinder on the clutch. He got pretty deep with replacing the "O" rings on that slave cylinder. I don't know type/brand of "O" rings he used, but its working so far.

I winched as he sent me a video of him putting around on his new prize. As I knew he hadn't cleaned any of the fuel system. With him riding it, knew it was going to be long row to get this machine up to speed. Yes,.... injectors plugged, fuel pump became questionable, etc.

Language has been an issue.... he doesn't know what a fuel rail is, Stator, throttle body.... none of it, nor does any of his support group. Its all carburetor, thingie, "this funny shaped thing", etc,

He's not familiar with "parts houses" or their products.

Its been surprising being fresh out of the military, he's not real patient.

His goal is to ride it....in the mode of "right now!".

My goal is to get it running dependably, safely, low dollar, as soon as possible. The rest of the updates can be done on the way, much like I did.

All the while, he swears he's in this to the end.

...

I'll be honest. Its been a new adventure for me. I get excited and jump from my chair to take his call/answer his text/answer his email. Its just the X disease coming all back to me. horrible addiction, X's are..

Have my hard of hearing ear pinned on the phone, listening to his Pop and grandfather giving advice or giving him a hard time. Last night he had me listening to his X, trying to trouble shoot his current issue. No its not ridable yet....

And yeah... he's chomping on the bit wanting to ride. Yet here we are further back than when he got it.

I feel like I should be bitching or giving up on him (grumpy pants). But then I realize, I've been fooling around with X's since 2001. To a point its almost second nature how I react to their specific issues.

With everything he looks at on his X, everything is vague and unfamiliar. So I encourage.

I sent him a CD of the parts book, copied the shop manual also. An X tshirt, patch, a pin, and a couple stickers.

All to encourage him to keep going, as he can afford it, and have patience.

......

Bowls me over when we discuss issues, that I haven't talked about since the early years. ... example: OEM plastic backing plate for the throttle body, warps from the engine heat. Letting unfiltered air go directly into the engine. Example: we as a community have found the perfect "O" rings for the slave cylinder, that work everytime.

......

We'll get it or we won't. I'll probably be more disappointed than him if we don't attain the goal. Bothers me, knowing an unknown number of X's are sitting all over the world broken, covered with dust. Owners scratching their heads, not knowing what to do. I don't want this one to be another one of these numbers.

I was helping another guy in Arizona this past fall with an X. He was in his late 40's and a pretty good wrench.... worked on European bikes as a hobby. This was a Deadwood with 1500 miles on it. Bought it from his neighbor (original owner) for $1500. Fuel system was a murder scene, and I really thought he was going to go for it. He let me know in January, he didn't have the patience for it anymore. And it was for sale. Only issue other than the updates was the fuel system. He also had watched one of my videos (whoa.... 2 viewers!!)

Love seeing younger guys like Johnny coming into the X community. Maybe some of them will pick up the ball and carry on with this madness.

Can only hope.....

Anyway about this.... its giving me something to do, beside moping around the house. Thats a plus. Now if I could only get him to work on it every day ..... hmm

[wytfut]

"I SAID WHAT?"...

A reader gave me a "heart" on one of my older posts here yesterday. I don't have a lot of readers that I know of. But have had mostly a positive response.

This particular entry I had completely forgotten about (no, no, far from me to remember anything after breakfast the same day)

"tubing and tech".... had me giggling to myself, as I didn't remember writing this, and that I had written with some humor. Which in turn I didn't know I could be funny.

Spose I should clarify, .... funny to me. But I really believe most of us blue hairs have experienced all of that. But most of us are too angry to admit to anything other than a fun fart.

This was written with zest at the time, as there were all these new techie bank card machines hitting me in the face daily. Each one with its own mission to kill my world famous public image. And save dishonor of face, as it were (embarrassment).

Another age story here...

I think I've mentioned me jumping thru all the hoops to get hearing aids..... free at that time thru the state of Nebraski. If you are of a certain age, and employed, and can't hear, the state would buy you hearing aids. They weren't fancy wine drinking ones, more like, you had a battery cart behind you to power it up. A modest but very noticable hmmmm, with lites dimming, a person could hear better than without?

And as I do everything I failed miserably. Not to ever have hearing aids as I'm banned for life, and from ever verbalizing those very words out loud.

"Mr. Whitefoot.... you hear just fine for a fella of 70 sum years old." I immediately decide my wife is more educated than this guy. Only a Dr. of E.N.T..... scoff....

.....

In my daily life, I'm naturally grumpy for a guy that is 70 some years old. And my wife is approaching this age too. She's not near as good at it as me, but she practices daily with me. She'll get her union card probably early.

With a lite breakfast conversation reading the paper every morning. ... one of us will mention something worth the effort from the paper. My lovely soft spoken wife will spit it out. And I'll do a "what?". First one is a freebie, and the game is on.

Now the "what?" is partially due to the fact I have my nose in the paper, and she is distracting me from this, grabbing my attention. This positioning just requires the standard "what?". Its a rule to play the game.

Then there is the recommended second "what?", when she repeats it. Her second attempt, I'm certain is a little bit more quiet, as I actually can't hear it. I see her lips move, but I hear nothing.

For the next step.... its dancing on landmines. Upon the next repeat, do I say "what?", or do I just politely nod, and reply "yup". If I say "what?" the third time... things are going to get grumpy at the speed of falling down stairs. If I nod and say "yup", she knows I didn't hear her, but shes happy, as I didn't say "what?". win/win. Score 1-1

To compound all of this .... my sweet hunny of almost 50 years now, is also loosing her hearing, ever so slight. I've entered the living room, to the TV rattling the windows, with her watching along. Well, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it. ...... oh, and usually she'll want to have a conversation with all that background noise. Most certainly round two of the game.

Displaced noises also get us to readily play the game. By the back door is our wash room. I use this door mainly, as its where I park my shoes and pocket junk.

Notoriously, I'll enter from outside. Washer grinding away, drier clanking along.... and I hear ... mmmmmmk.... gmmmm.... mmtmm?

She knows I can't hear with background noises. Wedding reception type situations are a nitemare for me. I just stagger around, nodding my head, shaking hands. Possibly saying something absurd, embarrassing my hunny.

Next common step tells a person to say politely.... "hunny... wait a second, I can't hear with all this noise". I usually do this response, but I never win this match. I'm still trying to figure out what the proper response should be. If I could only remember where I left off at on the last attempt.

.......

hearing relates to all of the following, and is a main character in these examples. Note to self....

One of my favorite writers, that I wish I could be as good as is the late great Roger Welsch, the Nebraski humor rural writer. Starred for years on CBS sunday morning show .... "Post card from Nebraska".

Roger for a hobby loved to restore old Allis Chalmers tractors. His restoration was typically, get it running, and maybe put some new rubber on it. Not sure how many he had, but it was quite the collection. A large portion of his books is about him restoring them.

In this particular book, he talks about his wife (very artsie fartsie) helping him move or pull start one of his tractors. He said it promised raised blood pressures, glares, and hard feelings.

She'd be pulling said tractors, all the while Roger screaming at her decisions around the yard, speed, etc. She couldn't hear any of the details of the screaming, but knew it was happening.

Roger always regretted these events, but had no other resource to do such events... in a reasonable manner.

I directly relate to this, with me and rusty fords. I'd be laughing to tears reading this part of his story.

This directly relates to Patti and me, with our own personal hell event. The boys were still younger. I'd have to convince her everytime to help.

Me interrupting her daily routine, with a stupid assignment of moving a rusty ford. She' be neck deep in Momisms, and I'd just stroll in like she was just sitting around eating cheetos, waiting for me to give her something to do (so typical of me).

One or 2 times, I'd be in the pulled vehicles. I'd start hollering, I could see her eyes in the mirror, while she drove the old "road warrior" (a beast of a machine, that she could barely see over the dash). She's short. She can't help it, that's what she was dealt.

Her eyes were speaking volumes..... something to the tune of how horrible my relatives were back to the stone age. My ears bursting into flames usually.

By the the 3rd time, I changed positions thinking this would make the event more efficient with no hard feelings. Me tugging her in the rusty ford.

This was a slight misjudgement on my part. She again just barely over the dash of a rusty ford (maybe sitting on a bucket or some boards).... 2 eyes glaring at me, and a wisp of blonde hair. Me screaming at her, she couldn't hear me in normal tones, or even with me screaming I learned later.

Don't know (remember I can't remember breakfast) we ever had the loving closeness of pulling junk around the yard again after that.

Not really sure how I got this done after that. One good thing though, no hard feelings on my part. I did mention these events to her a few years ago....

And I saw it all again.... glaring eyes of fire, peering over the dash at me...

[wytfut]

emptied headed

As I grow older (wiser?), I've noticed what things people fill their heads with.

To an addiction at times. I know you've all seen the facebook/instagram/tiktoc/etc addicts. And it all appears to be strange to us, as its a new form (new form to us blue hairs) of keeping ones mind busy.

I was at one time really into facebook.... as it was a priority in my daily activities. I left a few years ago, and came back to it about 6 months ago. I did it so I can keep up with the EH community. Now I'm back, and I scratch my head..... more than half of the folks contributing, I have no idea who they are. Other than they appear to be younger than I. It is keeping me up to speed though.... Everyone else "requesting friend" I cut off. I may/may not friend family.... doesn't really matter, I see most regularly.

I habitually, but not prioritized, spend the first 2-3 hours of my day... checking out youtube, Lincoln Journal Star, email (bring a trailer), comments on this tumblr account, facebook, and the EH forum site (I have to check in there, as I guess I'm still a monitor of that site).

From there currently I go down stairs and do my physical therapy excercises. I can do the first part of my day within 30 minutes, but usually longer.

Do I need to do this... actually no, and if I have something happening during this regularly scheduled activities... I'll skip it.

My PT, I'd skip out willingly, but I don't. I feel its important, even though I see no progress.

Its not easy just sitting, doing nothing, not even reading, not watching tv.... to do absolutely nothing. Staring off at a corner of your ceiling in silence.

I can't do it.... at best a few minutes, but when I do, I'm usually thinking about something else other than the corner of the ceiling. I'd guess pretty much everyone is this way.

And because of this... we all have something filling our heads to different degrees of importance. Some relevant, some not so much. All entertaining to a point. Ad nauseum..

Now not to piss anyone off.... hell, I'm bad at youtube viewing somedays... 99% of the youtube shows I watch have absolutely no value other than entertainment, but skip staring at a corner on the ceiling. I also will listen to at least one podcast per day.

But I've noticed more and more folks at least my age, becoming hooked on entertainment of choice, whether I like it or not..

Patti loves to watch old Andy Griffith shows, pastry cooking shows, and game shows (old and new). Buddy Jim watches westerns in his shop, and likely within the house when he can. Buddy Rob also likes his gun smoke, and Perry Mason. Larry Dawson, loves all of this, and maybe more (professional?).

Other than the age of my youtube shows, and these folks watching reruns..... most likely no difference at least in general. What is really going into our heads....?

I really think if comes from days before radio/tv. In my life time, I've witnessed the gift of story telling. If someone has a good story, people love to listen. And listening to good stories, can be addictive to a point. Remember, as a kid, and the story was over.... and you wanted more. Now as an adult, and you run across someone that can tell a good story.... whoa, don't stop, I want to hear more.

Is this addiction because you feel good, or thrilled, laughter, anger, scared.... your mind wants more, as some chemicals are mixing about in your head. Unlike a lot of folks, I enjoy a good scary movie, and I know there is a chemical rush of some sort that goes with this.

I found out just recently, that more folks read this ongoing blog, than I ever thought. At best I was guessing 1 or 2, just out of being polite. Guess I'm filling folks heads with ????? No body is leaving here smarter, I promise ....

I have games I also entertain myself with pretty much daily.... Majong, hearts, spider hearts, and solitaire. Solitaire is the best game while listening to podcasts.... I find myself wanting more podcast and more solitaire every time.

I'd guess games can take up to 90 minutes of my day...

My goal daily is to be productive. Even at times if its only one minor item that takes a few minutes (currently being productive is governed by how I feel pain wise). At least I feel I'm being productive. If I have something going on in the shop.... its hard to stop. I can if all is going well, and I'm not tired..... go all day.

Human mind is a curious thing. Naturally not wanting to be idle. I like to read, but wont make time for it anymore. I have about 12 books partially read. I really need to get them done. But my pride (contradicting all of the above comments) won't let me..... as its not productive????

Guess I'm a slow learner. .... Well as a matter of fact I am. I still think when doing anything physical, I'm in my 40's, but if I help with groceries, (BOY i HATE TO ADMIT THIS), I really struggle with some of those bags of groceries.

Patti will be watching one of "her" shows... and I'm about to pull my hair out, as the show was just on last week.... I almost know the script by heart. She's happy, am I being such a dick.

So I mosey on down stairs and do something other than watch Andy Griffith... I'm happy, she's happy.... good enough I suppose.

In this day and age, is being empty headed even a thing, with all the input we receive all the time? I've got "Alexia" right next to my bed, and she tells me when to wake up.

Maybe its too much? My head don't hurt from being over filled....

No idea....

[wytfut]

A good man....

I've held off on this posting/entry for quite a while. Mostly because I don't want my tumblr account to become an obituary. Not knowing what else to do, onward I go.

Sadly yes, this is another passing of life.... and I cannot help myself from writing this entry.

Josh my youngest may very well not agree with me doing this.... and I apologize, but this person deserves at least this.

Kyle Fessler... as a grown ass man, was the best. Stand up. Honest. Respectful. Always ready for anything related to hunting/fishing, etc. Often going by himself.

He died earlier this summer, when it was really a hi heat index, on a lake at a fishing tournament. Very suddenly.... no one was prepared for this. The real punch in the gut type .....

Kyle was on my soccer team from the beginning. And didn't mind playing keeper. He was shorter at that time (as an adult, taller than most) than the rest of the team. Kyle would always give you 100% on the field. He may not have understood what was being asked of him at the time (he was a 1rst grader), but he gave it 100 no matter.

Once out of hi school, he went into culinary arts. Kyle could REALLY cook. It always seemed like he'd take nothing, and made a feast out of it. Every time... Went to a pig roast a few years back, out in the sticks.... I thought someone else had prepared the food. Nope it was Kyle, and it was great.

Went to work for the franchise Granite City, they paid him big money to teach all new chefs with in the organization, across the country. They really liked him.

From there he opened up some kitchens for new eateries around Lincoln. He'd develop the menu's, create new dishes, etc. Always enjoyed going to his establishments to eat his food.... good stuff.

For what ever reason, he got out of the food industry (not out of cooking, he still would cook) and came to work at Gana Trucking (my retirement job), as a low boy dispatcher. He did this job very well. The upper management was very happy with him.

From there he went to Vermeer of Lincoln.... owner hired him to sell used equipment. Again did very well.

Typical Kyle.... he'd give you everything when it was time to work, and it was always good.

Kyle lived with Josh for a year or 2, and then after rehab, Josh went and lived with Kyle for over 2 years.

Kyle and Josh, fished... they fished year round, A LOT. This sentence is way too short..... Kyle loved the outdoors, and fishing was a major part of it...... all the time.

I retired from Gana in 2018.... on my last day Kyle showed up on my job site with some whiskie, and a cigar..... a retirement gift. YES, he was that kind of guy. I'm not special, I know Kyle well enough to know, that he'd treat anyone the same. I was beaming though....

Tall, lanky, black beard, and the always present twinkle in his eyes. Kyle enjoyed his life. Always a promised smile...

I'm hoping someday his children will get to know this side of him. As short as his life was, it had a lot of full pages....

.....

This group of men (pretty much my soccer team) still to this day hang out weekly. They've knicked named them selves the "pony boys". Interesting name, being they are all now 40 years old. But it came from different times, long ago.

The Pony Boys are all affected by the loss of Kyle AND Andy in this past year, have built a foundation. This foundation will develop scholarships to students to continue education they see fit. They've knocked it out of the park. They are developing a web site, have a logo... all in the name of Kyle and Andy. "Pony Boys Foundation"

As a grumpy ol soccer coach, these guys including Kyle and Andy, all have made me proud. To know them then, and now. All are trying there best to be the best adults they can .....

RIP Kyle..... I never figured I'd out live you. never...

[wytfut]

One of the best....

Watching bits and pieces this morning of Jimmy Carters procession...

I've been remembering all sorts of stories from the back of my little brain.

I've said since the late 80's when I realized what he was about, that he would go down in history as one of the best.

The noisiest of the past 50 years..... are just that.... noisy.

His childhood was a true poor dirt peanut farmer... And became very successful with his peanut empire. Let alone President of the USA.

Was in the Naval Academy, and came out an officer on the very first Atomic submarine.

Here's a guy that had to fight tooth and nail to get anything done his whole term. Senate and house badgering him the whole way. Party had nothing to do with it back in those days.... He was just considered an "outsider" to the Washington socialites.

His brother a true embarrassment to the office and his antics. But he bore the brunt and didn't hide any of it.

He took over during a dark times in the USA.... economy sucked, Nixons mess of withdrawing from Veitnam. And LBJ fingers in it. The embargo, Opec... Just a world of hurt that at the time, gave Carter the title of Lame Duck.

Things then, like now.... only bad things draw attention, not the good stuff.

After Vietnam, the armed forces were a mess. Carter started the overhaul of our military services, but Reagan got the credit.

He fought for over a year for the freedom of the hostages, and finally had them free the day after he left office. (he stated it was the very best day of his life).

I remember Grandpa Albert Whitefoot grumbling about Carter. Not respecting the office..... walking down the street with Roseline the day he was sworn in. And his fireside chats wearing a sweater and denim jeans. Grandpa was really upset,... I just chuckled to myself. Different times for Grandpa, as it is now for me.

Jimmy took the title of the office, and used it to its maximum. He and his Wife traveled the world with humanitarian missions. Not all were successful. But many were. Politicians today mock the failures.

His pursuit of habitat for Humanity.... you just can't second guess it. Up into his 90's still building homes... I can't hardly put on siding in my early 70's.

2002.... at 78 years old .... he received the Nobel Peace prize....

Reading this here, no matter what ugly things you can find about Carter. He was an amazing Man. i still believe he'll go down in history as one of the best.

RIP Jimmy

[wytfut]

My old friend...

Right off the bat... I'm going to admit to myself everyone that reads my running journal here, is tired of hearing about my health/booboos/back pain.

I get it. So am I. With that, don't feel guilty about leaving this entry within the first 2 paragraphs. right now.... no feelings hurt. I'm just writing, as I feel good when I'm done.

I'm almost tempted to start a separate diary, just on my health issues if this continues.

.........

As stated before, I've pretty much been in some sort of paint since 2000 (not sure anymore, but thats a close guess). Sharp, deep, knawing, electric, heart stopping, .... pretty much had it all. Its not near all that above. 80%+ of the time, I just know its there, keeping me company, and reminding, me that it isn't going to go anywhere.

This time line includes the 15+ years of hip issues. Several years of carpal tunnel, and now this for the past who knows how long.

Sidenote: Since I've had recognized back pain... I'm starting to think, I've had back pain for several decades. The pain back then I'd just attribute to age, or just tired. I've been rethinking this... most likely much to much.

At 71 now, its easy to get confused, especially with pain. Where does it hurt. How bad does it hurt. What kind of pain. etc... my old friend pain. Always ready for a good time.

I've reported here before what I felt was the truth. Even though I was most likely guessing, as I wouldn't have enough information from the right people to fill in the gaps.

Also, pretty sure I'm a whiner to some degree. Let the reader determine how much. Just putting all of this nonsense in print just proves the title whiner..

......

Roughly 5 weeks ago still battling my Minnesota incidents, they gave me a steroid injection. Reality set in when I got the call from nurse, to evaluate how I was feeling from the injection.

I stated here, that I thought the injection was to target the area in question to seek further surgery or what ever.

Turns out, it was a move to see if an injection would get me by. On day 28 report to the nurse, I was definitely feeling much better.... on back pain issues... or so I thought. To be honest, somedays any pain is just pain, that can't be filtered/defined.

The nurse reported back that the Dr. was very happy with that news, and let them know if anything happens of note. This reply was a huge disappointment to what I had been dwelling on since july. It was actually good news, but I wasn't thinking in thinking in that direction.

I've been participating in physical therapy for a couple weeks now, and have seen improvements. There is pain involved, but pretty sure its all due to waking up muscles that have been asleep for quite a while. Surprised how intense some of it is... but I'm going to keep trying.... what I have now isn't working.

With that thought..... last night it dawned on me that there is a severe pain, I encounter daily, but usually only once or twice a day for a second or 2. Rolling over in bed, pulling up my pants, trying to arch for therapy, and reaching over my head.

Everyone of those moves enacts a lightning bolt blinding pain thru pretty much my whole body, but basing right at the small of my back. I've learned not to reach. Therapy told me NOT to arch. Pulling up my pants once a day, is killer first thing in the morning. And the few times I roll over in bed during the night.

Called the office today to report this. It isn't muscle pain, and it hasn't been masked by the steroid injection. From where I sit, I think its a big deal..

I don't seek surgery. But this isn't working. And I'm no expert on answers.

.....

All this has me at the most weight I have ever weighed in my life. I've never been this weak/no muscle tone/soft.

I make efforts everyday to get up and try to do something physical everyday.

Somedays I get a lot more things done than others.

Somedays I'm exhausted within a few minutes.

All of that guided by how much pain I'm in at the moment.

It took me close to 3 weeks to tape the last episode of my youtube channel. Something if I felt good, would been done in 2 days.

I replaced the rear axle on my tractor... something that would took at most 1 day.... I took almost a week.

Washing my truck on a bad day wipes me out for a couple of days.

A lot of days I couldn't unload the dish washer, and if I did, I'd be gasping for air.

I really hate this "walker". Tired of trying to remember the logistics of having it, let alone to bring it along. Its a great walker, but its an anchor in my life. A cool thing with a walker.... a lot of people are very cognoscente of people who are using them. Hold a door, offer a hand, etc. .... Nice to see there are still folks like that out there.

.......

Xmas screaming towards me. I'll wait to see what the office has to say. No way am I going to do surgery or anything else exceptional before Xmas.

Need this to all to settle. I need to loose weight, and tone up. I'll do what ever the therapy folks feel I need to do. One of them quoted to me, the session is supposed to be 6 weeks long and I'm in week 3 now. I've got a long ways to go in a short period.

It was suggested in week one to try doing my excercises 2 a day. But were fine with 1. This past monday, I jumped it to twice a day. I couldn't finish second set... noodle legs. And now currently I can't do any of them. This all makes me feel very lazy. And maybe, just maybe I am.... And I know a person needs to push thru pain....

Did that in Minnesota.... and collapsed. ..

......

Finally got an answer to why/what happened to me in minnesota. No one I asked would even guess.

PA for my surgeon believes my disk in trouble was getting worse, and it just happened to happen while I was in minnesota. As that week went, my pain level, and weakness compounded daily. But I pushed on. Finally something overrode, and completely shut down my legs. I wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary. No hiking, multiple stair climbing, walking long distances, pushing heavy items.... none of that. I barely had any alcohol any one of those days (1 maybe 2, sometimes none). Same with cigars.

I'll wait patiently. Do my exercises as I can. And try to be reasonable. Wish me luck.

......

Interesting side story. Yesterday Buddy Rob and I went down to Humbolt Nebraski, to purchase a car for my Son Josh, next project.

Purchase was made, and we wanted to haul some items home yesterday, and pick up the rest on this coming Sunday. Its a lot of stuff.... this car is a basket project. Parts Parts parts everywhere.

Rob and I both are old school guys, and just cannot stand aside, watching people physically working. We loaded 2 engines, 1 tranny, plus some more heavy stuff.

Rob is still very fresh out of back surgery. And I'm struggling to walk. The seller/owner was older than us. It had to be a madcap scene watching everyone, trying not to hurt ourselves. I yelled at Rob at least once. He wasn't comfortable with what I was doing a couple of times. And the old gent was having to stop to get a break in here and there.

Rob/I had a system worked out. If it was heavy, he'd get it hauled on a cart to me. Me standing by pickup, would pick it up and place in pick up. At first, it was pretty ugly, but we got it figured out.

As the saying says..... "getting old isn't for the weak of heart'

[wytfut]

Excelsior Henderson 25+

This past weekend a couple of X owners I know within the community took off to Born Free Texas for rally down there. Frank Nowacyzk and Mike Seastrome.... And yes nonbelievers, they rode them there.

Looking at the pictures, looked like a great time.... home style with no frills. Just my type of gathering.

They met John Oates who was also attending. .... as an aside.

In their comments reporting back to all of us nonparticipants of the rally..... There was a comment made, that most of folks attracted to the 2 X's, had never seen one. And I'd possibly assume never heard of one too.

This comment astounds me. As long as I've owned my X, it never ends...... "what is that?" or "I've never seen one". It makes me giggle.

In the early years of EH (1999-2000), EH factory.... pounded marketing. Being in the EH world, it surprises me how much money was spent to get the name out there. Myself I'm constantly falling across marketing items I had no idea were even thought of.

Even with all of the marketing they did, when I bought my X, it was surprising how many motorcycle people hadn't ever heard of them. And there was a dealership right here in Lincoln Nebraska.

Occasionally, thru the years I'd run into "older bikers" who had been present at Daytona or Sturgis (1997ish) unveiling of the "new" motorcycle. Nice to see their grins, remembering those events.

OR.... a really old biker, who knew of the old name (1911-1931), and knew someone who had one back in the day .... usually 40's. Really enjoyed meeting these guys.... lots of hidden/unknown history. Easy to laugh here, as before I knew about EH, I had no idea there was such a critter back in that era either. Same battle?

Being neck deep into these fine beasts, I find it hard to understand that more people don't know about them. From a human nature point of view. Yeah.... its not accurate.

A large portion of owners in this community, have gone out of our ways to promote the bikes name. This tumblr account, Youtube, and owners being involved with the motorcycle community, a website, the facebook page, rally's, pokerruns, etc.

Us as a community, we will show up with all of our X patches, tshirts, dress shirts, jackets, coats, ball caps, stickers..... etc etc. And its almost comical the reaction we get from the ignorant.

My thoughts partially, its due to attrition. The older bikers with the old timey stories are dying off. Its not hard to figure out...

Back in 1999, when Super X first came out, and you were 25 years old, that'd make you at least 50 now. Another side of it, heavy cruisers (the category X's fit in), are becoming passe. This is not the motorcycle making money in the current market, unlike the mid90's thru around 2015 or so. Back then HD had 6 month waiting lists, as they couldn't keep up with the demand.

In turn it means less people involved in the heavy cruiser class. Less knowledge of "other" motorcycles..... etc.

As well known, I'm all about these bikes, I've got the sickness. If I'm around another biker for a bit of time, and I trust them.... I promote/offer them to "take it for a spin". Besides promoting the "name", its important to me, that people get to experience the ride...... "I just road an Excelsior Henderson, of which less than 2000 were ever made". That's quite quite the statement a person can say to themselves and friends. I beam when I do that...

Our community seems to be growing older. From what I can figure, I'm #5 in age seniority. I maybe wrong, as I just got back onto facebook on the EH page, I don't know most of them.

But looking at that facebook page..... there is quite a few younger owners out there..... lots in late 30's to their late 40's.

I keep hoping that we can attract even younger owners,.... owners in their early 20's. But the current motorcycle trends are not heavy cruisers, and this age group is all about buying power. Not sure, but there maybe 1 or 2 in this age group that I know about, but not their names.

When I get asked "what is this".... I try my hardest to pace myself. I can easily come across as some sort of nut, almost chasing the inquisitive away, puking out irrelevant trivia that nobody cares about.

The good meetings, I keep my answers short, testing the water, of this person (are they really interested? or are they just being polite?).

As far as I know, I've only gotten one person interested enough to go buy one. Thats a lot of tongue wagging.... LOLOLOLOLOL

Story is, Frank and Mike rode there and back with NO ISSUES. There was a long period of time, where any owner taking his X out for a spin questioned themselves "what kind of adventure will occur today?".

Old guys I used to ride with back in the day, recommended I drag a big commercial magnet behind my bike. And of course lots of laughs.

Most likely promoting our bikes is going to be never ending. But its fun part of owning one.

Its cool to think, that someday, our bikes will become just as valuable as the Excelsiors and Hendersons of old are today. Very probable though if that happens, it'll be long after I'm gone.

Long live Excelsior Henderson!! An American made motorcycle company...

[wytfut]

Age oddities...

A lot of free time being all beat up. I try to get something done everyday. The physical stuff.... can/does take me out sometimes for a few days after, but I don't feel I'm the type that can just sit around day after day.

In "normal Bruce mode", I keep busy. Maybe not productive, but I'm doing something.

With all this free time, and me being inquisitive, I've come to notice things about me, I've never noticed before.

I truly believe in general, I'm a happy sort. Usually up. Good for a laugh. And really enjoy all types of humor. Gleefully polite to very dark. No matter, I get a kick out of it.

I've noticed that I'm grumpier with old age, or so I thought. Thus the title of this Tumblr account, and my youtube channel.

.....

I've discovered a new part of me recently. Once I noticed it, it shook me up.

Caught myself talking to myself. Laughing to myself. Even shedding a tear or 2 seeing something a bit emotional..... all of this while by myself.

Now when this happens.... I usually just chuckle, curse myself just a touch... and go on.

Part of it may because I've been alone for a major portion of this summer. Patti has been babysitting dogs and houses on and off most of the summer. Maybe....?

Life here at the Whitefootarosa is entertaining. I should buy a few more security cameras, and just let them run all the time. I could have my own tv show... And with my memory the way it is, I could watch it over and over daily, all new everyday?

"Life of grumpy" "odd man out" " Not so typical Nebraski" "that makes my head hurt" "how to keep busy and not achieve anything" "what's my name again?" "who said that?" "

........

..............

Most appreciative of everyones concerns about my leg situation. I get offers daily from folks wanting to help. On site, people go out of their way to help me get thru a door, or into a vehicle. Heavy physical work, always someone wants to help. These offers are not just here in eastern Nebraski.... they come in from all over the country.

Humbles a guy. Doesn't make me any smarter (still try to do stuff I shouldn't be doing), .... someday I'll figure that part out.

...........

I've got some friends that have received back surgery since mine. Bill Niemeyer, Mike Danley, and now just this week Rob Pageler. These guys all went to the same spinal surgeons group as I. I'm pretty sure they all went to the same Dr..... Dr. Gogela. I'm tickled to announce they are all doing very well with no known issues.

Seems I'm keeping Gogela in the money... LOL. He has a little bit of interesting history... let alone his own mark. He's all over Bryan Hospital print. Good looking and I'd say one of the best in the nation.

His history says.... his father also a Spinal Dr of renowned reputation, got a call from Dallas Texas, to perform emergency surgery on JFK, the day he was shot. In flight JFK died. ... just a bit of trivial Nebraski history....

[wytfut]

Covid is a live and well

As I stumble along thru life (thats everything, everyday).... last week I picked up covid for my very first time. Sigh..not a virgin any more...

No idea where/how/when..... but "boy howdy" I got it, and it hammered me.

Initially during the pandemic, I did due diligence by obeying the rules of engagement. Oh I wasn't good at it, but I did what I could. Even with my sloppy methods I didn't get it. Which in turn had me believing "I'm too good at this, to get it..." ..

.......

Information led us all to believe that the government had an SOP in place, and knew what they were talking about. Rules of engagement changed as much as Trumps advice to us all. Dr. Fauci the man in the know was whipped in public, .... his down fall being his speaking skills.

Examples in the early days sounded like a science fiction movie. I remember seeing a news interview with some guy, whos ends of his fingers had turned black (first and last time I had heard that example).

......

I knew several folks who lost their lives to this bug. So I realized it wasn't something to mess around with. Every loss was amazing, how quickly it took them. My 94 year old uncle was grading fields on Tuesday, and gone by Saturday (actual days don't matter now). It wasn't playing around, no matter what anyone believed .

Vac? no Vac? ..... covid really didn't care what your opinion was, she was random, and efficient

.....

I got all the covid vaccines. All of them.

Listened to many folks opinions about the vaccines. Good and Bad. I'll be honest, then and now, I still don't know if its the proper way to go with this battle. But I'll most likely continue... I don't have the answers..

The argument has been presented to all of us..... which is saying a couple of things. : Are we lemmings? and/or Is this natures way of culling the herd.

I think its applicable in theory.... just like the rules of engagement are in a sense "a theory".

......

Things I know:

It was horrible for 2 days. Something to the tune of influenza on steroids', with his big mean brother "fate" tagging along getting his kicks in. I'm on day 4-5 now, feeling pretty good, but on border of being contagious yet.

The medication Paxlovid seems to really work, but that dirty metal taste that is continuous, is wearing on my patience..... gag....

It truly does come on like severe allergies. I thought I had an allergy issue, as I had mowed a dry yard that very same day.

The fat guy in me, truly lost his appetite for 24 hours minimum.

I couldn't get warm one night. I couldn't get cool another. (I'm tired of flop sweat, so gross)

My Wife is my angel.... her real knowledge of this affliction most likely saved me a ton of grief. I so hope due to my nonattentive ways she doesn't get it from me....

I sincerely hope no one gets this from me.

I never lost my sense of taste or smell.

Here's an interesting one.... my legs quit hurting. Is it because I'm sitting around 24/7, is it covid reacting, is it the medication. Most likely my legs getting a rest.

......

My Wife unlike me, knows all the ins and outs of the rules of engagement of covid. I felt I too knew, but everything I knew was vague, and carried absolutely no weight in decisions. I depended on her to make all my decisions. And very happy I did.

Patti got covid just before Andy Latensers memorial service last December. I don't remember what grabbed her attention, but she felt she'd better test. And it was positive 2 times. She was very disappointed she couldn't attend the service. Amazingly, her symptoms were minimal at best. She didn't feel sick, and had nothing else other than a temperature.

As "they" say, it affects everyone differently. Many lives were lost that just didn't make sense, and others who you'd think for sure weren't going to make it.... it was a breeze. Makes no sense in this guys mind.

Just a guy being a guy, thinking he has out smarted life in general, ... but in reality doesn't know anything.

.....

best facts I could find:

you can be infected up to 14 days before showing signs

you can go back out in public 2 days after symptoms disappear or 2 clean tests.... basically 5 days after first symptoms

,,,

Looking at those 14 days.... I'm pretty much a home body, but wow, that was a lot of folks to look at. The morning before I realized I had it, I was at the geezers coffee, sitting tightly with a bunch of old guys. Laughing, telling stories, eating... not a care in the world. I most certainly hope none of them got covid. ....

I'd feel horrible....

[wytfut]

Past lives

As a "blue haired" old guy, I can at leisure, time to time remember things from my past. Incidents I'm not proud of. A lot were performed when I was of high school age and shortly after. I acknowledge the fact that I was a late bloomer. Some folks in the know may even say that I've never grown up.... hmm... Also need to point out, these incidents just didn't quit at a certain age, they still happen. Also these incidents aren't all doom and gloom... I had a good life as a kid.

Funny I remember these things, but can't remember what I had for breakfast or what day it is today.

I'm not going to go into depth retelling these stories, mostly because I find some of them embarrassing. And they do make me a bit angry with myself. The more humorous ones do pop up too, and I do retell them time to time.

The angry part, I relate to what I did to my folks. If I were to highlight these incidents, I was a spoiled self-centered brat, who felt he was entitled.

But in reality.... I think I was a pretty normal kid that experienced incidents that now are mere memories, that don't carry any weight with me now.

Most were just stupid. But some were very dangerous. Some hurt others. A lot were harmless. Ignorance was the driver. Also the ones that actually turned into great memories as adventures. Group them all together, and I react with a shrug of my shoulders. Cant change the past.

........

I'm writing this for my legacy, future, etc.

My kids, grandkids and other close relatives. They are all my legacy. Some more that others.

They too will do things that may/may not be remembered down times road. Pretty sure EVERYONE goes thru this.

Some of us will do more than others. Hopefully all will be saved in their minds as a learning curve into adulthood.

I picked parts/pieces of my Grandfather Balwin, as some ways I wanted to live. I picked parts of my Mother, and my Father. I also had some Uncles, that I aspired to be like. My sister?? Its absolutely true, even my friends.

All that that molded me to what I am.... nothing new here. I am the legacy of these people. I hope I meet their goals..

.......

Seeing portions of me in my kids, really gives me a big head when its something positive. Fills my heart. When its a negative.... its usually a "yeah well, there's that"....

My kids each have experienced a dark period in their lives. They kept going as just another stepping stone of life.

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Now I'm experiencing my grandkids. For the most part, they are too young for me to see myself in them. But I know they are going to experience poor choices. And good experiences. My only hope is they survive it mentally and with their lives. And can use it as a learning curve.

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As a person that's not religious (although I have a ton of religious background).... my goal in life was to be a good person. And to be remembered for that.

My kids, and grandkids..... are and will be my legacy. So far I really like what I see.

Pretty impressive.

YEAH.... go kids!!

[wytfut]

the perfect life of exacts

The perfect number of walmart sacks for the bathroom trashcans... 300, you never know

perfect number of times to use the bathroom everynite, 10 because sleep isn't everything

perfect temperature in the house.... 55, because if you can't see your breath, its too hot

perfect number of sunny side up eggs for breakfast..... 6, because I like breakfast

perfect number of home projects to have going at the same time.... nothing less than 100, because I'm retired.

perfect number I religious nutz i have in my life.... None.... I just don't need that kind of stress

perfect number of best friends.... infinite.... self explanatory

perfect number of out and out adventures to have in a life time.... again infinite.... and again self expanatory

perfect number of Great Danes to have at the same time... 1/2... they are getting huge with age...

really perfect number of best friends....... still infinite

perfect number of acres to live on...... 1/3.... anything bigger takes too much time

perfect age to realize that 2.25 acres is too much..... 71... I'm a slow learner

perfect number of times "I forget" in a day..... 5000.... what was the question again?

perfect number of meals in a day....... 1.... why stop?

perfect number of hours of sleep .... 3 days.... sounds about right

perfect number of naps a day..... 1.... why stop?

perfect number of bolts to lose on a project...... none.... ugh

perfect number of bolts left over after project completed.... 0 ... ugh

perfect number of tools in your tool box..... infinite.... theres always a new tool you need

perfect number of gasoline vehicles in your possession..... huh? ... is there ever enough?

perfect number of motorcycle rides a year.... 365.... "i'm 20 again!!!!!"

perfect number of "i love you's to your spouse of many years".... with much regrets.... several million

perfect number of old "Andy Grifith" episodes...... burn them all

perfect number of days to have to use a walker...... BIG FAT ZERO....

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I'm pretty sure I'm going to revisit this entry... many times