Boomer words…

As time moves forward I start to realize that words I use often do not mean much if any thing to the younger generation. It’s like someone saying “bee’s knees” or “zoot suit” I have a sense of what it means but I often look it up to be sure. I was reminded of this when I saw a grass-hoper and wondered if the tv show that used the term would be the first thought of someone not a boomer? Jokes I told back in grade school would cause grief if told today. The good thing is that I realize this and wonder why it seems forgotten that to cross generations is to have a wide perspective of word usage. I was lucky to have grown up around grand parents and their friends who were born in the 1890’s and knew people born before the civil war. My parents lived through the great depression and World War II and their perspective on how to relate to others was full of views and terms that seem old fashioned today… but kindness… love and goodwill never changed.

Fun with a 1909 Ideal…

Press the key’s and don’t stop… 115 years after being built this 1909 Ideal typewriter is fun. It works better than the person at the keyboard (and I am only in my 60″s). If I used this machine more often I could get better results. If I sent it out to be restored… I would have something so special I would just look at. Sometimes you take something for just what it is and that is enough. Perhaps in 30 years the next owner will fix it up. I will just have fun pressing keys.

Walking

Instead of riding my bicycle, I am taking long walks to get back to good health. In my 68th year one finds out the hard way that good health is a blessing and not a given. At least I am upright and looking forward to each new day and working my way back to sitting in the saddle and pedaling my way around town.

2023 Ends

Every year ends about this time… there are moments of great joy and moments of sorrow… smiles and fears but 2024 is only hours away and with it new hopes. So thank you everyone who fill my life and time and thank you all for another year of adventure. Take care and may 2024 be full of the best and full of joy.

Part 2: On a bicycle in Iowa 2023

Every time I join the group of bicycle riders who decide to ride across Iowa; I find myself surrounded by people full of joy, hope, fun, kindness and goodwill that I start to think: “It’s not so high a bar to reach for.” So why not lift up that hand and think: “I’ll be better…” Everyone have a good day… thank you for being…

50th Bike ride across Iowa (my 23rd)

People have rode bicycles across the state of Iowa yearly for 50 times now. This year 20,000 signed up (add another 9,000 who only signed on for a day instead of weeklong). More showed up (some say 60,000 the first day). It was 500 miles in 7 days. Lots of hills… along the way you could eat that sweet Iowa corn. You could even have a picture taken with a Camel (I did not, he was on break at the time). I rode the 25th ride and thought how could I miss the 50th.