Christmas in Feb.

Picture of Biscuit at the Amgen Tour of California in Santa Rosa.

Anyway, as a kid my first allowance was ten cents a week. Growing up on a farm I remember my mom always saying the best things in life are free, and good things come to those who wait. So, I computed that in a year I would have $5.00. I waited and worked that whole year for the dime a week and thinking about what would I buy. My job was to collect the eggs with my older sister. Don't remember what I purchased but I am sure it was great.
Anyway in college I wanted a TV so I saved my pocket change for the TV. I think it took about 1 1/2 years to get the Eighty Bucks. And I still had that TV when Mrs H was the age of Biscuit.

So now as a retired person I still save that pocket change. I have been collecting now in the Oat Meal box for a little over a year. I cash it in about every two years. So last week I counted it let's just say there was more than $200 in change. I went to the bank and got coin wrappers and now I am all set. But today was just like Christmas my REI Dividend check came. Now I can buy that new pack. I have it narrowed down to two after a year plus of thinking. The REI store will be glad to see me finally buy it. I tend to try things out a bit. I think I will use it on my trip to India.

The other thing about being retired is you don't get a pay check. But I also just finished and filed my taxes and GW will be sending me a refund. Most years I had to pay a little or just let them keep it for next year. The best news was I did not have to pay the state of California. First time in maybe 15 years.

Well off to the REI website for a little more comparison shopping.

Free Stuff and an Angel at the Top

Yesterday and today the Tour of California made it's way for a finish yesterday in downtown Santa Rosa. And today was the race start for the ride to Sacramento. Mrs H and Biscuit came over for the race yesterday which was a great surprise since we had just been at Mr and Mrs H's two days earlier to watch Biscuit for the day. It was a fun event and I think everyone had a good time. Biscuit enjoyed watching the helicopter fly over taking pictures of the racers coming into town. There were two big screens set up to watch the race. We did however miss the big crash at the end since we were on the other side of the course through downtown. I will put pictures of Biscuit on my blog tomorrow having issues uploading.

Anyway today the tour departed Santa Rosa and made it's first big climb over Trinity Road. I departed the house on my bike about 1 1/2 hours before the start since it is about 20 miles to the top of the climb using the route I took. It is a three mile climb which took me 30 minutes to complete which I felt was a good time for me. There were lots of folks setting up to wait for the Tour so it was fun riding up the hill they rang there cows bells and cheered you on. But at the top was the Specialized Angel. Quite the sight!! You can see her in the background as the first racer crests the hill about 90 seconds ahead of the pack. I felt sorry for her because it was so cold... I had my winter bike stuff on and I was still very chilled with the wind blowing. But I did get some nice free stuff over the two days. If you ever need bike repairs in Santa Rosa I would go to Santa Rosa Cyclery. They were giving out free water bottles. Great little shop in this hole in the wall location.

More photos tomorrow when the upload works better I hope.

You could have chickens

I ride my bike almost everyday and today I decided to take my camera with. I used the youngest daughter's idea of putting the camera in a sock to protect it. It actually worked very well. Having grown up on a farm I have always liked barns and still would like a place where I would have a barn. Mrs H is always talking about wanting to have chickens. So while I was riding I took a couple of pictures of places that if her and Mr H lived there they could have chickens. And a horse, cow, goats, pigs etc. The barn at the top I think would work great. And Grandpa could buy a John Deere tractor to store there and do tractor things. Like give Biscuit a ride.

I was actually very pleased WB remembered it was valentines day. I think all the TV ads helped.

Started getting ready for my next big adventure. I am off to India to travel with the youngest. Must admit I am nervous. The travel nurse at Kaiser turned me into a pin cushion and gave me 30 minutes worth of good advice of how not to get some dreaded disease. Only one more visit in two weeks for the last shot.

Stay tuned. Off to make dinner for WB.