Double Nickels through the years

2013 Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge, MD - Blog

2012 Schuylkill River Trail, Schuylkill Haven, PA - Blog

2011 Amish Country, Millersburg, OH - Blog

2010 American Tobacco Trail, Raleigh, NC - Blog

2009 New River Trail, Pulaski, VA

2008 Great Allegheny Trail - Blog

 

2007 Virginia Creeper Trail, Abington, VA

2006 Oxford - St. Michaels - Cambridge, MD Loop

2005 - Morgantown, WV - Blog

2004 - Williamsburg Weenie Ride

2003 - Washington DC Trails

2002 - Shenandoah Apple Dumpling Ride (Fall Foliage)

2001- Wilderness Road Ride, Pulaski

 

Between the Waters on Eastern Shore although we did this ride twice, Gretchen and I don't think that it was the second ride of the year, not the official Double Nickels ride?

 

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The Holidays

The holidays were a busy time with family visiting in two shifts. First, the Alexanders and Sally followed ten days later by the Hills and a return of Katie and the kids. It was chaos....in a good way of course! Henry was into presents, distributing them to everyone and helping anyone who would let him, unwrap their presents. Maggie knew all about presents but needed help opening them...much to Henry's joy. Audrey liked grabbing the paper but is a year away from getting into all the present stuff. Katie and David's favorite gift was Henry's electronic snap kit! Getting home Christmas Eve in time for Santa's visit to his house was always on Henry's mind during his first visit!

All of the great holiday culinary treats were enjoyed by everyone. We visited playgrounds, the local microbrewery, watched movies before bedtime and had a great time playing FISH with Henry.

The kids were fascinated with all the deer in our yard...a phenomena that doesn't happen at their houses. They constantly went to the window to check for deer.

It was great to see all of the "cousins" together. The kids really enjoyed playing with each other and believe me they were always in motion. We went next door to the Clark's to see their Christmas decorations. Maggie and Audrey were entranced by the singing angels in the Angel Room! Henry liked the animated toys and the train the best. Katie and Kelley loved visiting the Clark's at Christmas as well, a tradition that started when they were little girls.

As the photo below shows, it's hard to get a picture of Audrey sitting still. She is a feisty little one with a loud verbal presence...so we labeled her "Mona Lisa" after Gretchen's niece who was very feisty as a two year old. I keep reminding Katie how well Lisa turned out. Oh, and how acorns don't fall far from the tree! Maggie is a two year old who knows what she wants as well! She is always in motion and babbling constantly. Maggie and Audrey will have a great time growing up together.

On his return visit, Henry was enthalled with his present from Santa, a Kindle Fire! The best thing about the new Kindle is the parent controls that are part of the operating system. Henry uses up his daily game time, then his app time but he is not at the point where he can read enough to use up his reading time!

Many thanks to Kelley and Seth and Katie and David for coming to Grandma and Grandpa's over the holidays. It's great having the house bustling with activity. Seth, hope you feel better on you next visit. It's not fun being sick. Sally, great seeing you as always. We'll have to make a pledge to get together more often this year. Hope everyone has a great and happy 2014!

 

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On to a new year!

In a USA Today article, Robin Roberts paraphrased the writings of Lao Tzu shown below. I really like the message and will try to live more in the present....not easy for a guy who has spent most of his life oriented to the future! But becoming an "official" senior citizen makes me think about how uncertain the future can be....and the need to love and enjoy what I do each day.

“If you are depressed you are living in the past.

If you are anxious you are living in the future.

If you are at peace you are living in the present.”

Gretchen and I are looking forward to another great year in 2014; spending time with family and friends, watching the grandchildren grow, walking, biking, traveling, sailing, and volunteering. Retirement is busy but we'll try to enjoy it day by day....in the present!

 

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Biking 2013

Enjoyed a wonderful year of biking. Exceeded my annual goal of riding 2000 miles ending with 2191 miles. Had great times on the road with Gretchen, the Double Nickles and the TOF Brothers. Oh my, it's time to turn the odometer back to ZERO! My bicycle should be ready for 2014. I think all of the moving parts have been replaced during the last six weeks plus the rear wheel was rebuilt. Am I ready for 2014? Sure, always ready to ride!

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