Day 183 – (AD 409) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 22.0 Miles – Navarre, Florida on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

On this rainy Tampa morning I am indoors on my Schwinn 150. I cycled 22.0 miles.

Part II of my Jim’s Trek is now headed east in the Florida Panhandle. I am currently located at Navarre, population of about 30,000 and I am headed east on Hwy 30 E/FL-30 E/Route 30 E/SR 30 E/State 30 E/State Hwy 30 E/US-98 E/Navarre Parkway near Joybrook Road.

And now I understand why so many people get lost driving in Florida. A good number of streets and roads have just so many names and bloody designations. Now I understand why my GPS one day near Sarasota had me driving right into the Intracoastal… WATERWAY.

I know the times they are a’changin when the first question my Doctor asks me when I walk into his office is “Where are you now on your Trek?” or “What mile have you now completed?” And I have been working on the Google mapping of my next virtual Trek and real Schwinn 150 cycle ride.

All-things-being-equal I will be completing Jim’s Trek Part II just about February 21st. And most definitely will I NOT be turning my Schwinn 150 into a supplementary clothes or quilt hanger in one of the spare rooms. After an almost consistent use of my stationary Schwinn over a period of just about, calculating right now, of 430 days since December 2, 2012, I will be getting back on after maybe a weekend off and then hitting the road once again. I definitely would like to see my 63rd birthday in on my Schwinn 150.

My stats are now –

• Location – Navarre, Florida
• Sequel Distance – Today 22.0; Total 3,925.7 miles
• Grand Total Miles – 8,128.8
• Miles to Go – 400.0
• Calories Burned Today - 656
• Number of Sit-ups - 100
• Weight – 166.4 lbs; Total Loss – 4.4 lbs
• BMI – 23.4
• Belly Measurement – 32”; Total Loss – 12”
• Blood Sugar - 106 mg/dL
• A1c - 5.11%
• eAG – 100 mg/dL
• Blood Pressure – 121/87
• Age – 62 yrs, 1 mth

I have now been no longer taking any form of diabetes medication since July 18, 2013. Definitely not bad. And I think that the new shorts that I bought a couple of months ago may have to be taken in at the waist. At least some of them have a drawstring that helps to keep them up. I REFUSE to wear suspenders and a belt together, fashion statement or not. My waist may be reducing, but not my dress dignity.


Just wondering, does one age faster if one dwells on the past versus one who lives for the day, each and every day?

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 182 – (AD 408) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.8 Miles – Back in Florida on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

Well this morning it was bloody cold. And for a youngish elder gent from the throes of the winters north of the 49th parallel, this is Florida and I'm not smiling cause there was no sunshine. Praise be that I have my Schwinn 150 to get my blood circulating and thawing.

This morning I completed 21.8 miles on my Schwinn 150. I have now completed 8,158.0 miles. On the first part of my journey or Trek I finished 4,257.1 miles and on my return journey, Part II, I have to date completed 3,900.9 miles. And I feel real good about myself.

And I am now back in the frigid north of Florida. At 1.7 miles of my 21.8 miles this morning I crossed the state line into Florida. This virtual land is now my land. It is about 438 miles remaining to arrive back at my home address in Tampa.

This morning I also reached my 38th Interlake(n)address goal point. My next goal is Interlaken Street in Pensacola, Florida.  Looks like this Interlaken Street weaves its route under the Interstate.

I am now located on West Main Street in Pensacola.

My blood sugar count, without any of my diabetes medication, this morning was 91.  My supper last night was Spicy Chicken with Peanuts, Sauteed Bok Choy and Mushrooms, Steamed Rice, and homemade Banana Cake with a strawberry sauce.  What can I say?  I love to cook and I love to eat.  Check out my Jim's Gotta Eat site.

Next stop my 39th Goal.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 181 – (AD 407) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.9 Miles – My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

This cold and getting colder Florida morning I got on my Schwinn 150 and I cycled 21.9 miles. My total miles are now 8,138.9 miles.

On my virtual trip, Jim’s Trek, I am now located on AL-16 E/US-90 E/Old Spanish Trail just about Seminole, Alabama. I am just about at East Erin Pond Road. My next Interlake address goal is just about 20 miles away.

From today’s edition of The Boston Globe, Scientists discover a new, “Simpler way to make stem cells”

 “The result is ‘shocking,’ ‘astounding,’ ‘revolutionary,’ and ‘weird,’ said scientists not accustomed to using such exuberant words to describe new research findings. The finding has been officially reported only in mice, but human studies are underway. Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital said that over the weekend they made what appears to be a human version of the stem cells, although further study and confirmation of that preliminary result is needed.”

“ ‘It’s just a wonderful result; it’s almost like alchemy,’ said Douglas Melton, co-director of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, who was not involved in the research published Wednesday in the journal Nature. ‘It says one has found a way to reveal the hidden potential of cells with a relatively straightforward method.’ ”

Not that I am concerned, but just think of what may come next.

And my blood sugar count was up from 98 yesterday to 108 this morning. The cause – A 20-ounce glass of Crangrape juice followed by one full can of Canada Dry Ginger Ale. I had a sugar craving last night.


And Breaking Bad finishes Season 2. I do like the teasers throughout the season. Now I now that I was now going stir-crazy.

Back to creating.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 180 – (AD 406) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.7 Miles – Still in Alabama on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

Well this morning I cycled another 21.7 miles on my Schwinn 150, and I completed another 100 sit-ups. And I have now surpassed the 8,100 mile mark, my total 8,117.0 miles.

Today I am headed east on Hwy 90 E/AL-16 E/US-90 E. I am still in Alabama and I have about 41 more miles to get to my next Interlake address goal. And tomorrow, well I think I will be crossing over into Florida. Yeah!

Now this is attention-grabbing and a wee bit thought-provoking. Should I celebrate Data Privacy Day? Or should I just skip that and enjoy Blueberry Pancake Day? I think that I do like blueberries better than I like data. Hard choice.

Okay, okay, I think I asked for some more interest to the storyline in Breaking Bad, and I think I got three. Two are about possible deals and the third is about a relationship. This should prove interesting.

Question – Am I imagining it or are there just an increasing number of references to AA or similar type meetings in TV and movie scripts?

Well our two Ladies, BW 1950 and BW 2010, the quilts and wall hanging are packed and ready to be shipped. Shortly I will be updating and providing details on our site Quilts SB. Quilting continues on Tampa Kaleidoscope. It should be off our Longarm by this coming weekend. Our A-New afghan/throw is continuing to grow as I continue to add rows of a combination of Fan and V-Stitch.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 179 – (AD 405) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.5 Miles – Mobile, Alabama on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

Another late day getting to my Schwinn 150. Few appointments and errands to run this morning. And I could easily lie and just write that I cycled and did my stint of exercise…but this exercise and cycling is for me. It is for no one else. I cycled 21.5 miles this afternoon. I have now cycled 8,095.3 miles since December 2, 2012. And yes I am keeping track.

Just like my writing of this Jim’s Trek. This is my journal. I am writing it to keep me going. You want to read it, that’s up to you. You don’t want to read it. Don’t. You know where your button is on your keyboard. You know where trash bin is on your Smart phone. This is my Trek. Period.

On the route, and per Google Maps, I am in Alabama on Government Boulevard just in the city limits of Mobile.

Another orchid is blooming. I think I remember this type of blossom on some corsage some time ago.

I’m trying to understand something. Why do the some of the current car commercials on TV highlight Pandora, Bluetooth, and the glove compartment of the advertised car? What the hell do any of these three things have to do with safe-driving, fuel economy, or just the positive features, if any, of the thing that should be working on the roads? I’m just asking.

And what exactly will the wording be on the November Florida ballot regarding medical marijuana? That is the question. Yes I signed the petition.

My viewing pleasure while I cycle is still Breaking Bad. I am currently in Season Two. It looks like am now at a point in the series where something has to happen to keep the plot line going. Something’s got to happen soon or I’m going to lose interest.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 178 – (AD 404) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 20.6 Miles – Grand Bay, Alabama on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

At 4:30 pm I finished my daily cycling on my Schwinn 150. I cycled 20.6 miles and my total to date is 8,073.8. Yes I am late.

I accompanied son and grandson this morning to visit Elmo at Busch Gardens. We think we may have walked about 5 miles, give or take.

And this early evening I cycled across the state line from Mississippi to Alabama. I am located on Government Boulevard and the Spanish Trail in Grand Bay. I am only 85 miles from my next Interlake address goal.

Supper tonight was boiled potatoes and steamed crab legs.

I am exhausted. Good night.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 177 – (AD 403) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.2 Miles – Mississippi on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

Yes I am writing my Jim’s Trek posting much later in the day. I did cycle early this morning and I actually pedaled 21.2 miles on my Schwinn 150. I also completed 100 of my half-assed sit-ups. (I’m still not sure of this one’s belly is allowing me to execute a correct sit-up, but I am getting there… I think.) My total miles now equal 8,053.2.

This morning on my virtual Trek I am located on US-90 E. I have just passed the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College – Jackson County Campus. I am headed toward Johnson Road.

Today we spent some time planning the Gulf Coast Quilt Art Network October 2014 show – Fiber Expressions. More details to follow.

Tinker the little one of The Pack has the loudest voice. Tinker is one of the three Rat Terriers. When she barks and yaps and screeches she is constantly coughing after the fact and sounds like a puny little dog with a deep hoarse cough. She never fails.

And on this early morning Max encountered the Snake-sicle.  Yup, that's right almost as big as him, and Max, another one of the Rat Terriers, is as bold as brass.  Needles to say I jumped...

Just a plain ole Southern Black Racer.  But I think he hadn't thawed out from the night before.

My morning viewing companion was another episode of Breaking Bad. Question – Would one go to such extremes if and only if one found themselves in similar circumstances? And definitely watch out for leaning ATM machines.


Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 176 – (AD 402) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 22.0 Miles – Mississippi on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

This morning, and it is still cold in Tampa, I cycled another 22.0 miles on my Schwinn 150. I have now cycled 8,032.0 miles since I began this regime of daily exercise.

Virtually I am located in Mississippi on US-90 E, somewhere along Beach Boulevard. I do believe that I am just east of the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. I wonder if the Google Maps image photographers plan to be on certain roads at certain good times of the year. This image of Beach Boulevard was compiled about May 2013.

My Quilts SB Facebook page post updating our Quilts and Wall Hangings in Progress has had 62,624 people check it out. Not bad. Check out the update at Quilts SB.

Not much else to discuss today. Today is a quiet day for me.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 175 – (AD 401) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.8 Miles – And Now Mississippi on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

And yes I completed my 21.8 miles on this cold Tampa morning on my Schwinn 150.

I have now completed 8,010.0 miles.  Since I began on December 2, 2012 and over a period of 401 days, I have cycled, pedalled, exercised consistently over 8,000 miles.  And ten.  I am proud of myself, and I can pat myself on the back.

This morning I leave Louisiana and cycle on my virtual Trek into the State of Mississippi.  This is amazing. I am now located on the bridge and causeway crossing the mouth of the Bay St. Louis.

Last night as I was walking The Pack and we passed one of our neighboring houses.  New tenants have moved in.  A fair clean up of the yard has been attempted.  But it was Max and Radar who decided, at 12:30 am this morning, that they were not sure about the new, albeit old, statuary strategically positioned through out the front yard.  And therefore, in the wee hours of the morning, The Pack decided that something strange was happening and they became extremely vocal...expressing their concern.

Okay I am at a loss for words. And I know the media will have one hell of a heyday with this one. Does it make sense that an African American Florida Candidate for House District 67 call for the “arrest and hanging” of the first sitting African American President? Is it too much to ask that politicians and would-be hopeful politicians THINK before they open their mouths?


This morning my cycling video companion was once again Breaking Bad.  I am currently watching Season 2 and Episode 5.  The story line appears to be that everyone's lives are messed up.  There is a desperate tone. I just can't stop wondering if I am getting to that age in life that when I become so involved in a show on the television and begin talking to the characters that I am going to see Flipper come jumping out of the pool in the backyard.

Oh yes, I am completely sane.  And my blood sugar count this morning was 98.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 174 – (AD 400) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.7 Miles – Last Day in Louisiana on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

This morning I cycled 21.7 miles on my Schwinn 150. Today is my 400th day on my stationary bicycle. My total to date is now 7,988.2 miles.


I am headed east on US-90 E/Chef Menteur Highway toward Honey Island Marina Road. I am only about three more miles from the Louisiana Mississippi States border. It seems that there are only about 600 more miles until I finally arrive back home.

And yes I have been planning Jim’s Trek Part III. I have mapped out the starting and ending points. It’s going to be one hell of another virtual Trek. I wonder if my 62-year old legs will be able to keep up with the cycling on my Schwinn 150.

Last night’s supper was Beef Broccoli and Bean Sprouts over steamed Jasmine Rice. My blood sugar clocked in this morning at 104. My 3-month average is a good 98.8, and this is now 5-months without my diabetes’ medications.

And the answer is "Yes."  Yes, I do cook the majority of my meals.


The one thing that we can be assured of, Ms. Sarah Palin is just stupid, not dangerous…just plain Stupid. Wonder if she suffers from frozen brain cells?  Oh and cheer-leading practice in Alaska has been cancelled today due to frozen pom-poms.

I wrote my morning pages and I note from my writing that today may be a circular day…of questions.

Our BW 1950 and BW 2010 quilts and wall hangings have been accepted into the Notable Women Quilt Initiative in Oregon. Check Quilts SB for regular updates.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 173 – (AD 399) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.5 Miles – East of New Orleans, Louisiana on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

And again another 21.5 miles on my Schwinn 150. Total to date 7,966.5 miles. Just check out what’s just around the corner. Two more astounding goals reached.

This morning I am on US-90 E or Chef Menteur Highway. I am now about 192 miles from my next Interlake address goal.

Max decided that he would wait on my chair while I cycled.

And the orchids are blooming on the pool deck.

Last night’s supper was something different and definitely something that I would try again, Immunity Soup. I stumbled upon a version on 101 Cookbooks and when I did a Google search for “Immunity Soup” a got 47,000 hits. On Start Page search engine I got 26,028. And take a gander at the ingredients I used:

• Olive Oil
• Onions 
• Carrots 
• Celery 
• Kimchi Furikake Rice Seasoning, because I did not have any ginger root 
• White Pepper 
• Chicken Broth, which I substituted for water 
• Various types of Mushrooms 
• Bean Sprouts 
• Radishes 
• Green Onions 
• Chinese Broccoli

I believe it is the interaction between all these items, especially the white pepper and the ginger which create the benefits of the soup. And my blood sugar count was down another two points to 102.

Our Quilts SB Facebook page has hit and maintained 501 Likes this past week. Guess our next goal is to hit and hold 1,000. We are finishing up our work on our BW 1950 and BW 2010. We are both pleased with each. Check out the updates on Quilts SB shortly.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 172 – (AD 398) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.5 Miles – Mississippi River, Louisiana on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

This morning I finished another 21.5 miles on my Schwinn 150. I have now completed 7,945.0 miles. I am amazed, period. Oh and I completed 100 sit-ups as well.

This morning’s location on my virtual Trek is US-90 E and the Huey P. Long Bridge as I cross over the Mississippi River from Bridge City to Elmwood. And I am making my way through Louisiana.

Last night, tried a new restaurant in town on Fowler Avenue; the Hong Kong House, owned by the same people that own MD Oriental Market where I usually do my shopping for all that is foreign and exotic Asian. Service was very, very good and the restaurant was spotless. 

The food was very good and I can say that it is on par with the Yummy’s restaurants. Supper included, Fried dumplings, Chicken Soup, General Tso’s Chicken, Seafood Hot Pot, and Chinese Broccoli in Garlic Sauce, all served with white rice. Dessert was an Adzuki Bean and Tapioca Soup, Chinese Sweet Red Bean Soup. Different. And my blood sugar count this morning dropped 12 points from yesterday. Would I go back again? Most definitely.

My humble advice to anyone who is thinking about starting his or her own Trek and would like to commit to a routine, watch a TV series or movie while cycling. Make sure that the series and/or the movie picked does NOT have any commercials or interruptions. Also turn off the phone. This is what works for me.

And this morning my viewing pleasure was Breaking Bad. I am enjoying the comedy and drama combination of the story line. The ancillary stories definitely add punch and thought to the main theme. On to Season 2.

And I write, with Max in my lap, I yawn. Last night I was up an extra three hours with Bella. She was sick and kept wanting to go outside. She could not get comfortable. She paced. She turned. And would with doleful eyes she kept looking at me as if to say "I think I'm sick." And this morning she is her bright bouncy little self. What can I say?

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 171 – (AD 397) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.2 Miles – Still in Louisiana on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

Back on my cycle this morning; my Schwinn 150 of course. I biked 21.2 miles, and my total to date now equals 7,923.5. I’ve increased my sit-ups to 90…and therefore my blood pressure reading immediately following registered up. My heart rate recorded at 67.  I guess this is not bad for a 62-year old who has just finished an hour and 15 minutes of exercise.

This morning I am located and headed northeast on Highway 90 E/US-90 E toward County 2 Lane. I am in Louisiana between Des Allemands, population near 2,500 and Paradis, population about 1,250. I am about 30 miles southwest of the center of New Orleans.

Well today may be the day to watch a movie. It is the day to celebrate of Tin Cans and Popcorn. Just think, the patent for the possible first tin can was issued in 1810.

And yes I do like popcorn.  But it is one of those foods that can just sky-rocket my blood sugar count. It is low in calories but high in carbohydrates. Definitely makes eating confusing. Great but not so good.

Either I have to learn how to cook so that I do not like my own cooking or I have to stop eating. Last night I decided that I would make a small sort-of something akin to a Shepherd’s Pie. My ingredients: Ground Pork, Onions, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Carrots, Tater Tots, Milk, and Emmenthal Cheese, Garlic Powder, Salt and Pepper. So good that of course I had to have a second helping. I just could not, of course, justify leaving any leftovers in the baking dish. My blood sugar count this morning 116. I’m not worried about this morning's count because I know that I am still keeping myself below 120.  And am not taking any of my diabetes medication… BUT I have to stop liking my cooking. Hell no.

The border, quilting, and the frame have been completed for our BW 1950. It really does look slick. We are now finishing the same on our BW 2010 quilt and wall hanging. Stay tuned to Quilts SB for the updates. The top of our A-New afghan and throw has reached the mid-point. The update and details will soon be posted to Afghans SB.

Watching Breaking Bad while I cycle on my Schwinn 150. Definitely an interesting concept of characters having to make decisions; good and bad; pro and con. I just keep cycling. This morning I watched Episode 5 of the First Season.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 170 ½ – (AD 396 ½) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – No Miles – Day Off in Louisiana on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

This morning, Day 396 ½, I just decided to take a day off from my cycling and sit-ups. No real reason. Just figured I needed to. I will return to my Schwinn 150 tomorrow.

I completed my 750 Words this morning and to date I have now written 147,090 words in 193 days. These are the number of words that I write first thing every morning before I write any blog entry.

And I need to review our schedule of quilt and afghan projects. I will be updating both Quilts SB and Afghans SB.

Craving last night for supper, Malaysian Chicken Curry. Extremely easy: Onion, Oil, Curry Powder and Paste, Chicken – boneless breast and thigh, Chicken Broth, Potatoes, Hard-boiled Eggs, Coconut Milk and Salt. Walk The Pack. All over rice. Excellent. So simple. Check Jim’s Gotta Eat.



Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 170 – (AD 396) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 22.5 Miles – A New Mark – 7,902.3 Miles in Louisiana on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

Today I cycled 22.5 miles on my Schwinn 150. My total miles now top 7,900 miles, actually, 7,902.3. I also completed 80 sit-ups. I haven’t got a clue whether I am doing them correctly but they are definitely much easier to do without the 44 inch waist. It has taken just over one year of cycling but I’m still now holding at a 32 inch waist.

On my virtual Trek I am now about 260 miles from my next goal. I am currently located on Highway 90 E, due north of Houma, Louisiana. All-things-being-equal my Trek will take me through the City of New Orleans.

Well I finished the first season of House of Cards. Looks like some people got what they wanted while some people certainly didn’t. I think I want more, as my viewing companion while I cycle.

This morning I continued cycling with the first episode of the first season of Breaking Bad. Interesting concept of 50-year old high school chemistry teacher who has just been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer trying to make ends meet. The question is does he go through a change-in-life crisis and venture out on something new?

Our quilting design has been decided for our BW quilts and wall hangings. We are working on our BW 1950 and I am reminded of Frank McRae and the character he plays in the 1987 movie *batteries not included. I have reached the mid-point of the design in our crocheted A-New afghan and throw.

Oh by the way I am reading Greg Cox’s follow up novel The 4400: Welcome to Promise City. So far it is continuing right from where the last episode of The 4400 ended. The nice thing about reading this book is that I already have a mental image of what things and people should look like based on the corresponding synchronization between the actual film and the book.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 169 – (AD 395) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.0 Miles – Louisiana on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

This morning I cycled 21.0 miles on my Schwinn 150.

Accordingly I am headed northeast on Highway 90 E/US-90 E toward Exit 189.  I am still in Louisiana.

And today, since 1973, is the celebration of nothing. That's right today is Nothing Day. So I can relax and not spend too m uch time thinking about something to write about in my Jim's Trek blog.

Well last night I definitely ate a plate that pushed my blood sugar counts up this morning to 111.  It was a wonderful dish of pasta and sausage, green peppers and onion, smothered in mozarella cheese.  I know I should have eaten only half a portion, but it was so damn good...and I hadn't been to CDB Pizza for so many years that I had forgotten how good their food was, and still is. Thirty years ago the pizza was good at CDB's and it still is.And yes I had two slices of pizza as well.

I did say that I was going to watch what I eat.  Yeah, what can I say.  But I did cycle 21.0 miles and I did complete 80 sit-ups this morning.

Watched The Legend of Hercules yesterday.  My rating; fair to okay.  Some of the 3D and slow motion filming were not bad.  But just a typical Greek gods' type movie.  Hero, Father is Zeus, wicked king and brother, fight over girl dressed in white toga, mother is murdered, main character leads revolt, and then he wins the fight, wins the girl, and the film ends. Like I said, fair to okay.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim