Rain, rain, go away!

The weatherman screwed up again. The forecast was for a rainy day Saturday and clear skies today...WRONG! At least, HALF wrong - it rained again today. I was looking forward to my weekly ride today, but it was not to be.

Oh well, I'll be on vacation starting April 7th, so I plan to get in at least three rides that week in addition to the honey-do's I'll have during my vacation. (Aren't you supposed to rest on vacation?)

I'll have to go back to work to get some rest and relaxation...lol.

MOM'S HERE!

Mom decided to come down to San Antonio for a visit this weekend! David had to go to Arizona to learn how to weld his bike frames, so Mom decided to fly in for the weekend. We have totally enjoyed her visit.

After picking her up at the airport Friday, we made a short stop at HEB for some dinner fixins. Once Mel got off work, I grilled us up some steak filets wrapped in bacon. Coupled with some roasted new potatoes, salad, and a glass of wine, and we were happier than pigs in slop.

Yesterday after my two hour bike ride at McAllister, we had breakfast then Mom and I decided to drive downtown to see what trouble we could get into. We stopped in the King William district, strolled along the algae filled San Antonio River, then walked through the King William neighborhood and looked at the old Victorian houses.

After that, we stopped by the McNay Museum of Art (Mel's work), and I showed Mom the new wing they are adding. The walk through the grounds was wonderful, as it was a beautiful day. By that time we were tired, so we came back home and waited for Mel. After a quick shower, we picked Cindy up and had dinner at Los Cucos.

Today, after a leisurely morning of coffee, scones, and reading the paper, Mom and I decided to take a walk at Mud Creek park which is a quick five minute drive from the house. I've been wanting to ride the trails there, but had never seen the park, so Mom and I decided to scope it out.

It is a very scenic walk past a dam and into the bottom of a canyon, which is lined with houses. It is amazing that so much is hidden from the road, but it was really beautiful. After about an hour's walk, we decided to head back home and shower.

Mel, Mom, Cindy, and I will have a quiet day at home and enjoy some chicken salad sandwiches (their family tradition), then grill some fajitas and have a couple of beers (my tradition). So HAPPY EASTER to all. I hope the holiday finds you well and happy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATT!!!

Today is Matthew's birthday - he is 20 years old! God, time flies by...

INTERESTING MOUNTAIN BIKE STUDY

(READ THE LAST SENTENCE - IT BLEW MY MIND)

News: Shimano and IMBA Release MTB Study

Enjoying the outdoors is as natural as riding a bike and Shimano American Corporation and the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) have teamed up to promote how important the activity is. Shimano is a major manufacturer of bicycle components and IMBA is a national advocate for responsible riding and trail construction. Together they are releasing the new document, The Economics and Benefits of Mountain Biking at the National Bike Summit in Washington D.C. March 4 – 6, 2008.

More than 1 in 5 Americans age 16 and over ride a mountain bike, and contribute $26 billion annually to the American economy while enjoying the sport. Kozo Shimano said, “We want legislators, policy makers and the public to understand how significant mountain biking is to both the economy and to keeping people healthy.”

One recent cost benefit analysis concluded that every dollar invested in trails led to almost three dollars in direct medical benefit. The World Health Organization recommends riding a bike to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Mountain bikers are also dedicated conservationists who volunteer their time, labor and money to protect the natural and cultural resources where they ride. IMBA Executive Director Mike Van Abel commented, "From the beginning, IMBA members have embraced a stewardship ethic that benefits conservation of our natural lands and waters. This timely publication shows how that conservation mindset also gives back with economic benefits."

Scientific research has shown mountain biking to be a low impact environmentally sustainable activity with no more impact on natural resources than hiking, and far less than many other recreational activities.

Kozo Shimano added, “To put the activity in perspective, 50 million Americans ride a mountain bike – more than 1 ½ times the number of people who play golf. “

WEIGHT WATCHERS week 7

FINALLY! I finally broke the 10lb barrier I've been fighting for some time. Last week wasn't a good week as far as activity points, as I never made time to go to the gym for my workout. I did ride almost 3 hours this morning, so I started the week off right. Let's see if I can keep up the momentum!

GOODBYE OLD FRIEND

Today is a tough day in our home as we had to put our beloved Wesley to sleep this morning. He finally lost his battle with ailments that come with old age - congestive heart failure, kidney failure, Alzheimer's, etc. Wesley was around 17 years old, as he was already a year or two old when Mel got him in 1991 or 1992, when she lived in Dallas.He was a faithful companion to her and Brandi (her Bishon who passed a few years ago) for many years, never complaining, never sick, until the last 18 months or so.

Wesley, aka Wizzer (as Michael and Matt called him), Old Man, Wes, and Grandpa, was actually named for Wesley Crusher, a character from Star Trek: The Next Generation. (Yes, Mel is a Trekkie)

I like to remember him best when we lived on Wakeman here in San Antonio. Since Mel always lived in apartments, Wes never had a yard to call his own. When we moved to San Antonio, he finally had his yard! He was king of his domain and pranced around like a little lion, always protecting us.

Wes was even a movie star of sorts, making a cameo appearance in the He-Man vs. WWF video that the boys and I produced back in 1998 or 1999. That was when they named him Wizzer, He-Man's trusty sidekick and companion. Almost as if on cue, Wes would bark so he could be heard in the video.

We almost lost him 18 months ago when his kidneys started failing. Our vet told us at that time that his heart eventually would give out and his body would shut down, so he was living on borrowed time. We were blessed to have him as long as we did.

The last couple of days he began to deteriorate very quickly. He saved his last gift for Mel last night. Never one to let any of us hold him for longer than a couple of minutes, he slept in Mel's arms as his breathing was very labored. He gave her enough time to reconcile herself to make the right decision to put him to sleep; he was unselfish to the end.

It will take time to mourn him, but we know the decision was the right one, to preserve his dignity and quality of life.

Take care Old Man. We love you and will see you again someday....

More Government Canyon pics

WEIGHT WATCHERS week 6 ARRGGH!!!

After bustin my ass yesterday with the three hour hike/bike, I wound up regaining 4 of the 5 pounds I lost during the ride. Although I still lost weight at weigh in this morning, I was pissed. I felt like I had worked hard and was expecting to lose at LEAST 2 pounds, but it was not to be, as I only lost 1.

Our instructor tried to make me feel better by saying that my body may not have adjusted to my metabolism or maybe I had too much lactic acid in my legs from the ride, since they are sore today. Either way, I was still pissed. It seems that now that I'm getting older, it's harder to lose weight like I used to. I can't take it for granted any more.

Drastic results call for drastic measures, so this weekend I am going to experiment by not drinking so many of my points. I need to lay off the adult beverages, since they seem to make me retain water. (GOD that sounds like girlspeak)

Oh well, I have to keep my eye on the goal and not let it get to me. At least I had a good time on my ride yesterday and that's what ultimately matters.