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 – (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 165 – (AD 391) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 20.7 Miles – Abbeville, Louisiana on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

This morning I cycled another 20.7 miles on my Schwinn 150. I am just shy of the 7,800 mile mark. My total miles are now 7,794.4.

My virtual Trek has me now located and heading north on S Airport Road toward Chiasson Road. I am still in Louisiana and it appears that I will still be trekking in this State for another 20, plus or minus, days. And then it is another 583 more miles to get to my final destination, home.

It is sometimes a pleasure to read a masthead on an article that pushes in a positive direction. Politico’s “Millionaire conservative backs Calif. minimum wage increase.”

House of Cards, Chapter 7 keeps my attention as I cycle. By using the episodes and chapters of each series I am holding myself from binge watching. But damn, I definitely want to find out what happens next.

Today is Pharmacist, Clean-off Your Desk, and Marzipan Day. The original Marzipan Panis Martius or Marci Panis was sold in the Tallinn Town Pharmacy, Europe's oldest operating apothecary (1422). According to legends, an apprentice at the Town Pharmacy accidently concocted it as a remedy, perhaps against the plague.

Two-thirds of our BW 2010 quilt and wall hanging has been completed. We received the postcard announcements for the MANifestations Exhibit. Our Cosmo’s Moon is a part of the exhibit. I have decided to tweak my original design for our A-New afghan/throw.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 158 – (AD 384) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.7 Miles – One More Day in Texas on My Schwinn 150

Good day,

This is my 400th posting to my blog and journey, Jim’s Trek. This morning started a wee bit late… It sort of threw off my routine.

Anyway, I cycled 21.7 miles on my Schwinn 150. My total miles to date now equal 7,646.0. Yesterday while I was walking The Pack, (did I mention that I walk The Pack a mile almost five times a week?), I was wondering about when I would possibility hit the 10,000 mile mark. Quickly calculating, and averaging 20.0 miles each day, I think that I may hit the 10,000 milestone on May 3rd. Who knows?

This morning I am located on my Trek at a point on TX-73 E/H O Mills Highway. I should be shortly crossing over into Louisiana.

This morning’s viewing pleasure was the first half of the 2012 film The Brass Teapot. The idea is that a young couple is short on cash and credit, and just about everything is not necessarily progressing too, too well. After a bad happening, they chance upon a brass teapot. What follows is sort of something that we, at times, wish for…but there are consequences. Googling the phrase “The Brass Teapot” alone produces 6,430,000 hits and results. Interesting…?

Like I said and previously wrote, I am looking for the nonsensical statements made by politicians and would-be politicians in 2014.

Erick Bennett, candidate for US Senator from Maine - “The fact that I have been jailed repeatedly for not agreeing to admit to something I didn't do should speak to the fact of how much guts and integrity I have,” he said. “If I go to D.C., I’m going to have that same integrity in doing what I say, and saying what I do, when it comes to protecting people’s rights, as well as their pocketbooks.”

I am not up to complete speed regarding the case, but I believe that he was jailed for spousal abuse. His previous sentences are of record. Let’s hope the electoral, at least those who get out and vote, have done their homework and due diligence of the facts.

Last night’s supper was a Chinese Beef and Cauliflower Stew. Not bad and all cooked in the wok. I do like cooking Asian-type recipes. They certainly help me to control my blood sugar counts.

I began reading Welcome to Promise City, by Greg Cox, 2009. It is the third book in a series of four books based on The 4400 series. Books One and Two take place during the course of the actual television episodes. Welcome to Promise City takes begins exactly where the video series end.

And now to work on BW 2010 and ideas of the quilting highlights.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 157 – (AD 383) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.0 Miles – Almost To Winnie, Texas on My Schwinn 150

Good day,

This morning I cycled 21.0 miles on my Schwinn 150. This means that I have now cycled 7,624.3 miles since I began my Trek on December 2, 2012. And 44.2% of my pedaling has been my current return trip from key point in Seattle.

And it just hit me that my previous viewing companion, The 4400, all 45 episodes centered around Seattle. This was not intentional and I am a bit thick at times...but I would venture to say that there is some glimmer of synchronicity in my intended and untended methods. And if you don’t understand this, don’t worry, I do.

This morning I am located just west of the Town of Winnie, Texas; population of about 3,300. I am on the service road running parallel to I-10 E. I am approximately 40 miles from the Texas Louisiana States’ border.

The construction of our BW 2010 quilt and wall hanging has begun. Check Quilts SB for details. Our Cosmo’s Moon quilt and wall hanging has begun its voyage to Colorado for the MANfestations exhibit and presentation at the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum. The exhibit will run from January 39 through April 29.

Pick your choice for Day of the Year: Spaghetti, Hypnotism, Pop Music Chart, World Braille, and/or Trivia. So the idea is your choice…celebrate whatever you want.

Last night I had to use up the remaining Kumquats that I picked from CK’s tree. And I decided to make some Kumquat Cranberry Chutney. Check my update to Jim’s Gotta Eat.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 156 – (AD 382) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 20.8 Miles – 36th Interlake Address Goal Reached in Texas on My Schwinn 150

Good day,

Well this afternoon I cycled an additional 20.8 miles on my Schwinn 150. My Bright House appointments were supposed to be this afternoon. As opportunity would have it, the technicians arrived early this morning, way ahead of schedule…with my okay of course. Took me by surprise, and threw off my normalized routine, and I didn’t get to do my sit-ups.

Today’s cycling allowed me to reach two more objectives: 7,600 miles and my 36th Interlake address. The real address of my 36th goal is Interlachen Drive in Baytown, Texas. Close enough to sub for Interlake Drive.

My actual location today is now on I-10 E just about between two lakes; Lost and Old River Lakes. Up to this point I have been avoiding major highways but I thought that for this once I would ignore my own rules and jump on an Interstate to make up some distance. If I use the Google Maps options to ignore and avoid major highways the programming would take me via some absurd distance to reach my 37th Interlake address point. So there. My next Interlake address goal is about 215 miles to the east.

Today is Chocolate Covered Cherry Day…and I am waiting.

All pieces of 18 fabrics have been cut for our new and next quilt and wall hanging, BW 2010. This will be a companion piece to our BW 1950.  BW 1950  is composed of 16 fabrics. All-things-being-equal BW 2010 may provide that extra clue to the identity of BW 1950. A-New afghan/throw has increased to 14 ½” in length.

I’m still searching for a new video-cycling companion. Will let you know when I find.

Beware of flim-flam purveyors who try to sell you a spoon when you want a fork.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 155 – (AD 381) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.8 Miles – Still in Texas on My Schwinn 150

Good day,

First thing this morning 20 sit-ups. Next I fed The Pack. I am not sure that I understand Radar. I pick the bowls up from the floor in preparation of filling them for each one’s meal. The next thing I know he, Radar, has taken off to the farthest point away on the outside patio. He begins his yowling, and then I have to call him back into the kitchen. He goes through a number of goofy jumping jacks and then settles in to chow down his Buffalo kibble. Strange dog. Must be something with the ears.

Oh and all I have to do is bring out my camera and if I point it at him…he becomes a ferocious anti-paparazzi hound.

Had to run a couple of errand this morning, but as soon as I returned home I cycled 21.8 miles. My total miles now on my Schwinn 150 equal 7,582.5.

This morning my Trek has me located on East Wallisville Road, north of Baytown and east of Lynchburg, Texas. It appears that I only have a short distance left to reach my 36th Interlake address goal.

And the weather in Tampa is overcast and rainy as opposed to sunny with intermittent showers. But the orchids are blooming.

This morning I finished watching the last and 45th episode of The 4400. And there are no more visual episodes, but I have discovered that there are two books that follow where the series ends. And the books are already on my Kindle library. Now I have to find a new cycling watching companion.

The top of our quilt and wall hanging BW 1950 has been completed. Fabric has been sorted and chosen for its companion piece BW 2010. 4-New afghan/throw has now reached a length of 12 inches.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 154 – (AD 380) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.1 Miles – Welcome the New Year in Texas on My Schwinn 150

Good day and Happy January 1st,

Today begins a New Year - 2014 AD. Damn, I made it.

And this morning I cycled 21.1 miles and completed 20 sit-ups. I start the New Year having accomplished 7,560.7 miles on my Schwinn 150. I can now write that I have cycled consecutively across three years: 2012, 2013, and 2014.

I am headed south on TX-146 S, and I will soon reach Farm to Market 1413 W. Only 20.6 more miles to my next Interlake address goal point.

Apart from being New Year’s Day it is also Bloody Mary Day, Z Day, Commitment Day, and Polar Bear Swim Day. Well forget the Polar Bear Swim but I’ll definitely break out the Bloody Marys and commit to my Zs.

And which politician and/or which would-be politician will express and/or do something completely asinine first, out of the gate this New Year of 2014?

Last night I made a dish of shrimp, mushroom, onion, black olives, green peas, Swiss cheese, rice and vegetable broth Risotto. I did not have any white wine in the house so I used some Vodka and lemon juice instead. I understand the premise of making a risotto… but, I am not sure if my final product, even though the meal was excellent, is the way it is supposed to taste. Okay I’m not saying that that is an issue, but when I watch any “chef” on any of the cooking stations or programs they are always mentioning about the “al dente” format of the finished rice. Can anyone tell me what it is that I am supposed to be expecting?

My concoction looked something similar to the above image. And I had a double helping. We all did.

I have about one-and-a-half episode remaining of my viewing companion, The 4400. From what I understand the producers pulled the plug. Looks like I will be searching for a new cycling viewing series and/or movies to watch. Any suggestions?

And this is the new chart of my January 1st biorhythm cycles.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 153 – (AD 379) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 20.7 Miles – New Year’s Eve in Texas on My Schwinn 150

Good day,

This New Year’s Eve morning I cycled once more on my Schwinn 150 another 20.7 miles. And I am thinking about my resolutions for the upcoming 2014.

My total miles now equal 7,539.6. All-things-being-equal I have another 1,073 miles remaining in my Trek back to Tampa. At my current rate of 20.0 miles a day I should be pulling into Tampa on February 22, 2014. I have two months to concoct my next adventure.

This morning I am located somewhere on TX-321 S and I am just about at the intersection of County Road 303. The Google Maps’ image is now just about six years old. Comparing to current images it certainly shows us how much digital photography has come such a way since.

I am not necessarily a regular Walmart shopper. Occasionally I will run in to our local Walmart if I need some item but that is so not the case. I also have NEVER ordered online from Walmart. Why would I need home delivery when there is an actual store about a mile from where I live, on the other side of the highway?

This morning I received Number 2 email reminder that I did not provide Walmart, spelled both Walmart and Wallmart in the body of the email, with my correct address for order number WM-003247489. The author of the email would like me to fill in an attached form “and send it back to us.”

A link to the form was included in the first email, which I deleted yesterday. Today’s email does not have any link or any attached form. What am I to do?

The originator of the second email from the Arrowhotel.com in Nebraska writes that “If your reply is not received within one week, you (I) will be paid your money back but 17% will be deducted since you order (and NO I did not make a typo) was booked for Christmas holidays.”

This one is intriguing. Yesterday Japan and Nigeria, today Nebraska, a (heaven forbid) dying sister and Walmart. Pray tell what do these two have in common? And what is 17% of nothing?

Work continues on our BW 1950. We are just about to begin the construction of our BW 2010. A-New afghan throw is progressing. Colors remind me of one of the high schools I from where I graduated.

Be healthy and enjoy your flock of turkeys,

Jim

Day 140 – (AD 365) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.6 Miles – Number 34 in Texas on My Schwinn 150

Good day,

This morning, in the crispy Tampa air, I cycled an additional 21.6 miles on my Schwinn 150. My total has now reached 7,226.0 miles. Today I wanted to start my day, get my 750 Words and my cycling done. Done.

Today I reached my 34th goal in Plano, Texas. This time my goal is on Interlaken Drive, a close and near match of address to mine in Tampa. I said hello and good-bye and continued on along my Trek. My next 35th goal is about 120 miles away. And so I go on, physically and in a virtual world.

I’m not sure where I'm going to and where I am but I am definitely northeast of Dallas. From my map it looks like I am headed northeast on TX-66 E/Lakeview Parkway toward Dalrock Road. I think I am somewhere between the City of Rowlett and Rockwall. Rowlett is a city in Dallas and the City of Rockwall is a suburb. I can see a McDonalds where I am located, and I stop for lunch. Is it true that wherever one goes in this continental United States one is almost guaranteed of finding a McDonalds and a Walmart? Takes the fun out of exploring.

Supper last night was a Quick Shrimp and Chorizo Paella. I followed a Food.com recipe, with some adjustments. I'm not sure what a 1 ounce packet of vegetable soup mix is and so I substituted some other spices and just left out the additional chemicals.  If I say so myself, it was damn good…and there’s a great deal of leftovers. Guess what’s for supper tonight?

Not saying that I am a chocoholic, but today is Chocolate Covered Anything Day. This of course takes me back to my school days in Nassau when I was dared to eat chocolate covered ants. I did... And I can still recall that I was not necessarily turned on to chocolate covered ants. They came in a can and they tasted of oily chocolate with a smattering of thin crispy cardboard, which I think was the exoskeleton. 

This morning’s viewing companion was a journey back in time, the Son of Flubber. Disney black and white but high definition’ed. Two characters at a Halloween party looked to me like the predecessors of two characters who appeared on Gilligan’s Island. There are a lot of recognizable actors in this movie that I just did not pay mind to the actual story line.

Our BW 1950 quilt and wall hanging has grown with more than 120 pieced squares. A good percentage of the squares are pieced triangles. It is now a whopping 8” by 10”. Check Quilts SB for updates.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim