New Neighbor

The picture is terrible, but I didn’t want to go outside to get closer (no I wasn’t scared–I didn’t want to scare it–maybe I was a little scared).  

It was just walking around our neighbor’s yard, eating bugs from the grass.  Three or so years ago we saw of a turkey that had nested in front of a home at the end of our block.  It stayed there for a couple of years.  We’d see it from time to time, always in the same spot.  The owners were troubled by its presence as it didn’t want them near its nest and its nest was right next to their water spigot.  They couldn’t use their hose for a couple of years!  Maybe that same turkey is now in my neighbor’s back yard.  I can’t imagine it will stay, though, as they have a full size poodle that runs free.

I pedaled to the garden (recently planted daikon radish seeds have sprouted) and later in the day to the FedEx drop box (each ride there is in lieu of a plane trip to the west coast, so huge carbon offset).  Both rides were super pleasant.  Everyone shared nicely and the weather was just perfect.

The morning ride was on an Atlantis.  I had just tightened one retaining ring on the Phil Wood bottom bracket because it, or something down there, was squeaking.  The rings are held in place with Loctite, so I removed one, cleaned it, added new blue Loctite and snugged it back in place.  I don’t have much experience with Loctite, so I dip a toothpick in red paint and make a mark on both the ring and the bottom bracket so I can see if the ring moves.  Seems to have solved it for now.  The afternoon ride was on the Rivendell Road.  Boy is that fellow fun.  So smooth and quick.

My dad’s in the hospital with an infection.  He’s on antibiotics and is having tests to see if the infection relates to a new knee he got a couple of years ago.  I wish we were closer so I could visit.  I should know more later today or tomorrow.  Send your warm wishes his way!

Last night I pedaled an Atlantis to the Hudson to have drinks with a friend at the Albany Riverfront Bar and Grill.  I was sitting at a picnic table finishing up a conference call and he pulled up in a 1951 Nash Rambler that looks pretty much like this.  Worst part is he is selling it.  I could so easily become a car collector.  This car is so beautiful and he says it should sell for about $7,000!  Shame on the world for undervaluing such a fine machine.  I read somewhere that you can still get parts for them at Autozone and other places because the cars are still made in South America using the original dies.  How cool is that?  I hope I am able to resist.  Anyway, the bar, the weather and the company were top drawer.  I’ve played Scrabble with this guy for years, but until last night I knew very little about him.  When we play, we play (mostly).  So it was nice to get to talk with him at length.

Nothing more to report.  Still filling my days with work.  As it should be, I guess, at my age.  Speak to you soon.