Day 184 – (AD 410) – Jim's Trek Part II – The Sequel – 21.0 Miles – Okaloosa Island, Florida on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

Today is the day to celebrate.

The sun is OUT in Tampa, Florida. I moved the orchids back out to their residence on the pool deck. Next full moon is February 14. That will be the next possibility of one of our six winters here in the Tampa Bay. And some of my orchids are in full bloom.

This morning I cycled another 21.0 miles on my Schwinn 150. This is now the 410th day of almost continuous cycling from when I started on December 2nd, 2012. My total miles on my Schwinn 150 equal 8,203.8. And I am still going well. Only 379 miles more to go.

This morning, on my virtual Trek, I am located on the Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, on Okaloosa Island, Florida. I know I glad to be able to see the water. This is the Sunshine State. Yeah! The house is open and I’m back in shorts, t-shirt and bare-feet.

And Simon and Garfunkel are playing I am a Rock on a winter’s day in the background while I write my 427th posting to my Jim’s Trek blog. And it is February 1 in Tampa, Florida.

90% of the top of Tampa Kaleidoscope has been quilted. Concentric hexagons in each kaleidoscope on a king size quilt does take time. Our BW 1950 and BW2010 have arrived in Oregon. USPS should deliver the special box today…methinks. I will be updating our Quilts’ and Afghans’ project schedule tomorrow. Check out Quilts SB and Afghans SB for progress report.

Got to come up with some more recipes to do with the dwarf bananas. ML, they are beginning to ripen quickly.

January 9 - Before              February 1 - After

Breaking Bad is getting much more interesting. My viewing companion is causing me to continue cycling and the time of my exercise period definitely goes by quickly. The plot line is now developing some rising action. Decisions have to be made. Oh and by the way, I have found a substitute for Mad Men for the time being, Suits. Difference is a world of advertising and marketing and a realm of corporate law.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

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 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