Day 130 1/2 - Jim's Trek - Today I Rest - Yeah, Right!

Good Day,

Today is Day 130 1/2 on my Schwinn 150 Trek from Tampa to Seattle. Out of the blue, I decided that I would just take the day off from my cycling. I also decided that after the next 130 days I would take another day off.

It is time to examine my Trek and search for more Interlake address stops and goals for the remainder of my trip. There is also only 2 days left to the Tax filing deadline.

"B" marks my current location in North Dakota. I have completed 18 Interlake address goals. I have been able to find six more from this point before I actually reach my final destination in Seattle. I'm searching for a few more.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 130 – Jim’s Trek – 20.8 Miles and 603 Calories – North Dakota

Good Day,

This morning’s ride on my Schwinn 150 racked up another 20.8 miles. My total Trek mileage – 2,268.4. I am headed north on highway N Dakota 18. I have just crossed over 25 Street SE, and about halfway to 24th Street SE. Fields as far as I can see, to all my directions: north, south, east, west.

My waist measurement is keeping constant. After 130 days I wonder what will happen at Day 150.

Today is Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day. Check out The Chive for their presentation of 40 unique grilled cheese sandwich recipes. And while I complete all my paperwork I might be munching on a good grilled cheese sandwich.

Supper last night – Irish Boiled Dinner but I substituted chicken for the beef brisket. Garlic, onions, carrots, red potatoes, turnip, green cabbage, beer, chicken broth, Bay leaves, peppercorns, olive oil, butter… Excellent and filling supper.

It appears that no keyhole in any doorway to the Royal bedchambers is sacrosanct. The Tudors present a number of interesting twists in the lives of Henry, Queen Catherine Howard, Lady Anne of Cleves, and Thomas Culpeper. Historically correct? Certainly would be thought-provoking to find out.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 129 – Jim’s Trek – 20.3 Miles – I’m in North Dakota

Good Day,

Today I burned 601 calories on my Schwinn 150 Trek and clocked in 20.3 miles. This morning I passed through Dilworth, Minnesota to Fargo, North Dakota. And I did so very quickly with my feet high on my pedals. I am on 36th SE Street between 165th Ave SE and 164th Ave SE in North Dakota.


My total mileage today equals now 2,247.6. I am approximately 75.0 miles from my next goal.

The Tudors – Henry’s leg injury is getting worse and Queen Catherine is acting as a spoiled brat and teenager. There does not seem to be any great underlined alliances in the work, excepting it appears that everyone is just looking out for her/him-self.

Still waiting on the red fabric for our Equality quilt. The blue and yellow blocks are well on the way.

Tonight's supper - Chicken, turnips, carrots, and greens.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 128 – Jim’s Trek – 21.5 Miles – Another Goal Achieved

Good Day,

Today I completed 21.5 miles and burned 602 calories. I am located on US-10 W/State Street NE just west of Glyndon, Minnesota. Right now it is 25°F in Glyndon and it is just 83°F in Tampa. This Trek on my Schwinn 150 makes sense to keep me where the warmth is.

I have now completed 2,227.3 miles on my Trek. Due to my daily ride on my Schwinn 150 Trek I have cut down my diabetes medication by half. This morning’s blood sugar count was at 97… Looks

like whatever is working by continuing on my Trek is certainly showing some positive signs.

And today I take is very easy and slow. All my Biorhythms, primary and secondary, are almost down at the furthest bottom of their cycles. Definitely will be a quiet time for the rest of this next week.

Today is National Library Day. And I love a good book, but when will we begin to celebration National Kindle Day? And I need me a good book.

Henry marries Catherine Howard in The Tudors… and Henry is beginning to slow down. There is a little animosity thrown in between Queen Catherine and her step-daughter Mary, the daughter of Catherine of Aragon. It is sort of reading the end of a book first when you know what is going to happen.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 127 – Jim’s Trek – 21.2 Miles – Change Your Name?

Good Day,

Well my 600 calories daily goal today just took me a little bit longer. On my Schwinn 150 I clocked 21.2 miles in about 1 hour and 11 minutes while burning the 600. I have to really change my mindset now that I have picked the 600 calories burned goal. Adding the 21.2 miles to my 127th day total means that I have crossed the 2,200 mile mark.

My destination today is on US-10 West between Private Road and 120 Avenue. The scenery on the road has not changed for a couple of days… blue skies, green pasture, and empty road. Nice and quiet.

Now I do not understand something. April 9th, today is National Name Yourself Day. And I did find that some people celebrate today as Chinese Almond Cookie Day. Why?

The Tudors – Introduce Catherine Howard. Marriage to Anne of Cleves annulled. Thomas Cromwell, off with his head. Damn the High Executioner should never have got that drunk the night before.

Test 40 has arrived at the Quilt Festival of New England in New Hampshire. Colored Windows II, Coral Steps, and MEM911 have begun their journey to the International Quilt Festival of Ireland. Metropolis is now in Salt Lake City in preparation for Home Machine Quilting Show. Cosmo’s Moon will soon be leaving for Salt Lake City and EssbeeCon will be on its way to Denver.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 126 – Jim’s Trek – 20.9 Miles – Don’t Text and Cycle

Good Day,

This morning as I was just about completing my Trek on my Schwinn 150 I took a phone call. I then looked down and I had burned 605 calories, 5 above my set goal. My mileage for the day 20.9 miles. Bottom line, don’t text or use the phone while driving or cycling.

My location is on Highway US 10 and I’m headed in a northwesterly direction. I am just north of Acorn Lake and a little bit west of Chilton Lake. I can see that there are a lot of lakes in this part of Minnesota.

I have now completed 66% of my original Trek from Tampa to Seattle. My total miles this morning – 2,184.6.

Why if today is Ponce de Leon day do so many elder folks migrate to Florida? I mean he didn’t find the Fountain of Youth. All he found was flowers some 500 years ago. But one would think that the elder residents of this state should know that if no-one has found the Fountain of Youth in 500 years, it still is going to stay lost. I suppose that is why Miami is Number 3 for the greatest number of plastic surgeons… after San Francisco and Beverly Hills.

Supper last night – Stir-fried shrimp and Napa cabbage with onions served with Korean Scallion pancakes. Good and different. Will repeat. But it’s time for Okonomiyaki, again.

The Tudors update - Henry does NOT like Anne of Cleves...but he marries her anyway. Everyone can't wait for Thomas Cromwell to lose his head, literally.

Cosmos' Moon is in the last stages. We have to go over it with a fine tooth comb and make sure that every thread is correctly placed. The first block of Equality has been completed... and I made a measurement mistake. We changed the design and from what we can see we like it better. Check out Quilts SB for updates.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 125 – Jim’s Trek – 21.0 Miles – Burning 600 Calories on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

This morning I have sort of changed my daily goal… sort of. My Schwinn 150 Trek goal is now to complete 20.6 miles each day or burn 600 calories, whichever comes first. This morning I reached 600 calories at 21.0 miles. I have now completed 2,163.7 miles in 125 days.

This morning I am located on US-10 W and I’m on a bridge crossing over some railway tracks. I just crossed over Minnesota Street. Just down the ways a bit I passed through the City of New York Mills. This small city of about 1,200 is supposedly situated on the Continental Divide. I have another 156 miles to my next Interlake address goal.

And today is World Health Day, which celebrates the founding of WHO in 1948. The theme for 2013 is high blood pressure. My count this morning is 119/71. And my BMI today is 23.0 which, praise be, is now in the Normal weight category.

Today is Wash The Pack Day… All pandemonium broke loose, but they are all now calmed down taking in the glorious sun and a brilliant Sunday. The Tudors - Henry is searching for Queen Wife Number 4. The major factions in his court are waging matrimony to one a Roman Catholic or two a Protestant. Henry is insistent on eradicating the Pole Family.

Binding on Cosmos' Moon completed. Design specs have been detailed for Equality. Check out Quilts SB for updates.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 124 – Jim’s Trek – 20.6 Miles – I Am Still Trekking

Good Day,

20.6 more miles, total to date 2,142.7… 65% of my Schwinn 150 Trek. This morning I’m headed north on MN-29. I’ve just crossed over 240th Street.

Brought my blood sugar level down with Grouper with Coconut-Red Curry Sauce. Rice with rainbow chard. A one bowl dish that was really good. I really love experimenting with food.

Henry spends the majority of this episode of The Tudors confined in mourning. He then institutes six edicts for the Church of England. Certainly sounds as if he reintroduces the Roman Catholic dictums. What happens to the Reformation?

Today is one of the most absurd days mentioned – International Pillow Fight Day. Link here and find out all the cities world-wide. My question – Why? And I think I need a pillow on my cycle seat.

Fabric arrived for our new Equality quilt, three primary plus one colors. Quilting for Cosmos’ Moon completed. Binding has been attached.

Be healthy, and enjoy,

Jim

Day 123 – Jim’s Trek – 20.6 Miles – 18th Goal But No Spork

Good Day,

This morning in the rain, of Tampa Bay, I cycled another 20.6 miles. I reached my 18th Interlake address goal, Eddy’s Interlachen Inn at County Road 42 NE in Alexandria, Minnesota. Eddy’s Interlachen Inn is 1,727.0 miles in a direct route from my house in Tampa. The Inn is situated right between Lake Carlos and Lake Le Homme Dieu. My Trek, including my 18 Interlake goals, now totals 2,116.4 miles.


On completion of my 20.6 miles this morning I am located just about southeast of Lake Miltona. I am on MN-29 headed north almost at County Road 5 NE. Scenery – grassy fields, woods, two-lane road, and sky. My grand total miles on my Schwinn 150 Trek this morning is now 2,122.1.

And last night I tried a Heater Meals, Homestyle Chicken & Noodles in Gravy. Interesting is the only thing I can say. I did start to laugh when one of the items included was a pouch of salt water. The product did do what it says it would do, and it was self-contained. And I suppose if there is a blackout and some sort of emergency I would definitely be thankful… but. Is it Homestyle? Definitely not the way I cook. But it did heat up in the container in the plastic pouch in the box… and there were packets of seasonings, salt and pepper. And the cutlery included is a plastic spoon… I was expecting a spork.

The Tudors - A son, Edward is born to Henry… Queen Jane passes immediately away. And the purge of the “supposed” rebels is taking place.

And I continue. Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 122 – Jim’s Trek – 20.6 Miles Today – 2,101.5 Miles Completed

Good Day,

And now is this the beginning of an early monsoon season in Tampa or the entrance of our 6th almost winter. One never knows what the hell our weather prognosticators are talking about. But all I know is that the Kabocha squash seeds I planted are welcoming the weather.


Finished my 20.6 miles this morning on my Schwinn 150. I’m located on MN-29 N immediately east of Lake Reno. Total miles today – 2,101.5.

Only 15 miles to my next Interlake address goal.

And now we can play cards with a little less worry about "marked" cards. Transparent cards and definitely nothing up my sleeve.

Henry’s word… not to be trusted. Very hard to see Colm Wilkinson’s head on a stake. The Tudors, under the influence of Thomas Cromwell have committed to genocide. Lady Mary and Lady Elizabeth accepted at Christmastide. Queen Jane is now with child.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 121 – Jim’s Trek – 20.6 Miles – Abs and 5-Minute Meals

Good Day,

This morning I’m on MN-55 W and just north of 110th Avenue. Definitely not too much to see, that is, unless you’re into brush and roads, sky and the evenly spaced power line poles. Looks like I’m going to be on my Schwinn 150 and my Trek for a couple more days to about a week in the State of Minnesota.

Saw myself in the mirror after I got off my Schwinn 150 this morning. I can see, I think, something is happening to my body. What are abs? Didn’t ever think I had any… On this 121st day my total mileage is at 2,080.9.

Supper last night, fast and quick – Jo’s Mountain Mush. Beef hot dogs, baked beans, potatoes, and onion, and hot sauce. Good, filling, and satisfying and very easy to put together. And too hell with the calories and the carbs... and I still burned off 610 calories this morning.

Emergency food with its own steam oven in a box, Chef 5 Minute Meals... And yes I’m going to try one or two… Hurricane season is just around the corner, and for some reason I just do not trust Tampa Electric Company.

The Duke of Suffolk quells the Peace March, but Thomas Cromwell definitely appears to be on his way out of favor in The Tudors. Henry, now married to Jane Seymour, take another mistress. “I am King. I can do anything.”

Andy’s nearing the end of the quilting of Cosmos’ Moon. We’re both extremely pleased. I will spend the rest of the afternoon boxing quilts and wall hangings getting them ready for destinations – Salt Lake City, Utah; Denver, Colorado; Galway, Ireland; and St. Petersburg, Florida.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 120 – Jim’s Trek – 20.6 Miles – Still in the Fields of Minnesota

Good Day,

I just wanted to make sure that I burned 600 calories on my Schwinn 150 Trek this morning. And so, my morning's miles equaled 20.6. My time is 1 hour and 8 minutes on this 120th Day of my Tampa to Seattle Trek.

My location this morning is still in the State of Minnesota on Highway 55 West between 190th Street NE and 182nd Street NE. I believe that there is about 56 more miles to my next Interlake address goal.

The Label B marks my current location on my Tampa to Seattle Trek. The map shows my direct route, without including all my Interlake address goals. I am at 62.4% of my original Trek.

Supper last night – Grilled tenderloin steaks smothered in garlic butter mushrooms and Colcannon with kale. Blood sugar still maintaining an average of 100 and my belly measurement, without sucking it in, is holding at 36 inches, down from 44.

The English commoners and Roman Catholic adherents have risen up against King Henry in The Tudors. Cromwell is elevated in rank but Henry warns him with his life. With Anne Boleyn out of the way, Henry marries Jane Seymour but she has to wait for her coronation to Queen.

Just got the news in the mail that our quilt EssbeeCon has been selected to be judged in the “Above & Beyond” competition at the Denver National Festival Quilt Festival, May 2-5, 2013.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 119 – Jim’s Trek – 20.5 Miles – I’m In The Middle of Somewhere - Minnesota

Good Day,

And I now I am in Minnesota and the 20.5 miles this morning on my Trek has me located in the midst of some farm fields on US 22. I’m headed north.  Total miles to date - 2,039.7,

On my Schwinn 150 Trek this morning, I, supposedly, burned 600 calories. My weight appears to be remaining constant and my blood sugar is definitely being kept at the norm. But would someone please turn off the pollen.

Our quilts: Colored Windows II, Coral Steps, and MEM911, are ready to be shipped to the International Quilt Festival of Ireland. Metropolis is complete and in line for delivery to HMQS in Utah. Cosmos’ Moon is in the final stages of being quilted. And our new design, Quilted Equality is now in process. Check out our status and updates at Quilts SB.

And yes today is April Fool’s Day, but it is also Fun at Work Day. My question, doesn’t this sound like a double whammy for getting nothing done on the job?

Today watching The Tudors, Natalie Dormer, Queen Anne, loses her position as Queen, and loses her head. Henry has cast her aside for Jane Seymour. Ms. Dormer obviously follows her royal lineages as, last night in the premier of the new season of Game of Thrones she is now Margaery Tyrell and betrothed to King Joffery Baratheon, the little wacko. Definitely a case of female characters more concerned with the power of the crown, historically and in fantasy.

Be healthy and enjoy,

Jim

Day 118 – Jim’s Trek – 20.5 Miles On Easter Morn

Good Day,

This Easter morning I completed my 20.5 miles on my Schwinn 150… and I’m looking forward toward a great Easter Brunch. This morning I am headed west on Highway US-12, also 50th St. SW in Minnesota. I made it through the city of Cokato. And Cokato’s claim to fame, the Aho Family whose 12 sons all played football at the local high school over the period of more than two decades. The Aho Family is actually a bit more than 2% of the total population of Cokato.

I am located on US-12 W headed toward 738th Avenue. I’m coming up on Dassel, Minnesota. And it is 32° F and mostly cloudy in Dassel. Tampa is 66° F and I’m indoors.

My mileage total today, on this beautiful day in Tampa, is 2,019.2. I never did think that I would clock this many miles on my Trek from Tampa to Seattle. Only 39% of my goal left to go and 98 more miles to my next Interlake address goal.

This episode of The Tudors increased the number of heads rolling to five. Henry is cleaning house and Queen Anne is now confined to the Tower of London.

Enjoy your Easter, and be healthy,

Jim

Day 117 – Jim’s Trek – 20.5 Miles – Headed Northwest on My Schwinn 150

Good Day,

Once again I have completed 20.5 miles on my Trek on my Schwinn 150. I left the banks of Lafayette Bay and have reached the intersection of 60th Street SE, U.S. 12, and SE Brighton Avenue. I’m in the middle of farmland. Total miles to date equals 1,998.7.

My stats -

Total Direct Miles to Seattle	To Date	TD Miles Remaining	% TD Miles Completed	Interlake Miles Left to Seattle	Weight (lbs)
3,301.0	1,998.7	1,302.3	60.55%	4,000.6	166.6

And today is National Doctors’ Day. But today is Saturday… Are doctors’ offices opened on the weekend? I supposed one could write a note of appreciation to one’s personal MD on this, also, Pencil Day. Do you think we can survive without our keyboard for one day?

Queen Anne loses another child and Henry now believes that there is a black omen over their marriage. I am amazed at the writing of The Tudors. It appears that the women in Henry’s life are pawns, used by their fathers and brothers to secure favors and positions in Henry’s court.

Be healthy and enjoy.

Jim

Day 116 – Jim’s Trek – 20.5 Miles – Two Interlake Goals – Numbers 16 and 17

Good Day,

Two for the price of 20.5 miles on my Schwinn 150! This morning I hit my next two, number 16 and 17, Interlake address goals on my Trek to Seattle. Number 16 is Interlachen Boulevard, in Edina and 15.6 miles toward the northwest my Number 17, just off Manitou Road, is Interlachen Lane. My total 20.5 miles has me at a location on Shadywood Road at Lafayette Bay.

Number 16 – Interlachen Boulevard, Edina, Minnesota

Number 17 – Interlachen Lane at Manitou Road, Minnesota

My location Day 116 – Shadywood Road at Lafayette Bay, Minnesota

My total mileage to date is 1,978.2. I have now completed 60% of my original Tampa to Seattle Trek goal.

Someone please explain to me… On March 29, 1848 blocks of river ice caused Niagara Falls to come to a stop, and now celebrated every 29th of March is Niagara Falls Runs Dry Day. Why? What type of celebrations and parties does one have when a major source of power comes to a complete stop? It seems that a number of websites and blogs are posting about the Dry Day but no one seems to address the issue of what does one do to have a celebration. Since St. Patrick’s Day was a couple of weeks ago, could it be that Niagara Falls Runs Dry Day is the antithesis?

Update – The Tudors. Queen, excuse me, Lady Catherine of Aragon passes away. Queen Anne dreams of her death and then announces that she is once again pregnant. Henry meets Jane Seymour. And Cromwell purges England of all Roman Catholic land holdings and organizations. Season 4 of Game of Thrones is just about to start.

Our third pass of quilting of Cosmos' Moon is now completed on our Longarm. We are now transferring it to one of our Domestic machines. I am working on three new designs. You'll have to check back and check Quilts SB to find out later.

Be healthy, and enjoy.

Jim

Day 115 – Jim’s Trek – 20.5 Miles – 15th Interlake Goal Achieved

Good Day,

Today I completed another 20.5 miles on my Trek on my Schwinn 150. I began this morning’s journey just south of Chanhassen, Minnesota. I crossed over Lyman Boulevard and headed north, then west, then north to my 15th Interlake address goal. This goal is Inter Laken Street at Rolling Acres Road in Victoria, Minnesota. But this was not the end of my morning’s 20.5 miles.

I am now located, after turning northeast, at about Hopkins, Minnesota. I’m on Highway 7 just about 17th Avenue North. Why am I heading east, you ask when Seattle is to my west? My next Interlake address goal was just too close to by pass on my overall Trek. I shall hit my 16th goal tomorrow.

Well today we are supposed to celebrate Weed Appreciation Day. I'll be damned, with dripping eyes, a drippy nose, and all my sneezing that I will be thankful for any weeds at this time of year. But I do like a salad with dandelion greens.

The talks between Henry and Queen Anne Boleyn are getting more and more heated. This weeks episode of The Tudors includes the excommunication of Henry from the See in Rome.

I'm trying to remember the name of the artist who did the original of the above work. About 40 years ago I created this piece of cut-work for a class I was teaching regarding the art of stain-glass windows. Certainly would appreciate any help?

Be healthy, and enjoy,

Jim