Energy Fair

You know what? It was actually fun! Bike man and I participated in the Dunn County Sustainable Energy Fair in Menomonie this morning. BM incorporated a non-profit group called the Red Cedar Basin Monitoring group this year, and we have been involved in trying to get the word out about this volunteer group. Talked to lots of people today and hopefully recruited a few interested people to help with stream monitoring.

Experienced extreme rainfall early this morning, like 3.5 inches of rain. The rain just kept coming and coming. Finally ended by 10 am. Got a chance to walk around at the farmer's market, which was next door to the energy fair today. Bought some fresh zucchini and a loaf of carmelized onion bread.

Starting tomorrow, we are in a heat warning until Wednesday. Heat index will reach 110. Feels like we're living down south....geez.

Tree Day

Today was tree day. The tree man finally came to cut down our large pine tree that fell over two weeks ago.

The pine tree looked to be at least 50 years old or older! Still can't believe that big tree blew over.

The poor compost tumbler is toast, however, we just received the new tumbler so BM already put it together.

We also had a few more trees cut down in our extra wooded lot. Still lots of work ahead cutting up the wood, but we'll do that as time allows.

Helped move a sofa late today for BM's granddaughter.

Riding Partner

Hot diggity dog, I had a riding partner tonight!!!! A cool 72 degrees and a light wind, couldn't ask for better riding conditions. Saw four cyclists tonight while riding.....wow, our little country folk are starting to understand the benefits of riding a bicycle. I hope they enjoyed themselves like Bike man and me.

So we're coming down this hill outside of Colfax and there is a corn field to my right. When reaching the bottom of the hill, I hear this noise in the corn field. I can't see anything, but we're keeping up our pace and approaching a corner. I hear the corn plants moving again, even louder now. Suddenly I see this big brown animal appear along side me.....she's running! Right in front of me a female deer leaps out from the corn field and crosses the road. At the same time we see momma deer, we see a fawn....the fawn is running too. BM and I never slowed our pace, but kept charging ahead to make the corner. The little fawn was aiming to jump out onto the road and cross between BM and me, however, the fawn hesitated and veered behind BM. Whew, that was exciting! I can't imagine colliding with a deer while riding my bike, but I bet it's happened to many cyclists.

Nice ride in the country. 20 miles

Honestly

I feel like I'm struggling with lack of motivation for physical activity. I intended to come home after work and bike, but going solo again tonight didn't appeal to me. Honestly, I prefer to bike with a partner.....that's just me.

I did motivate myself to grill some brats for supper and then spent time outside picking up lots of sticks that fell from the trees during Sunday night's storm. Bike man got a heads start and picked up tree limbs and stick during the afternoon.


I took some time to savor all the blooming flowers tonight. The cooler temperatures today were so enjoyable. A couple more days of cool weather and then the heat wave returns. Hoping for more motivation tomorrow. I need a kick in the.......

PS. Bike man was busy with his lake monitoring and testing for water critters today.

Quiet Ride

Solo ride today, but that was ok because I just wanted to ride and rest my mind.....no chit chat can be a good thing. Even though it was a warm afternoon, the rock face created cooler temps.

The river was quiet today and the smells along the trail were unbelievably strong. I think I was smelling Jewel weed since the trail is thick with the stuff.

I was just so glad to be outside and back on my bike this afternoon. Didn't see a lot of cyclists on the trail....kinda weird. Where was everyone on such a georgeous day? Lower humidity and cooler temps made a perfect day for riding. 26 miles

Family Weekend

We celebrated a family wedding on Saturday near Farmington, Minnesota. Bike man's oldest daughter Traci and new husband Josh threw a combination wedding party and "moving to California" party.

We had a chance to see almost all the grandkids......granddaughter Rissa traveled north all the way from Madison, WI.

Even Bike man's 92 year old mother was able to attend the family celebration. The food was great and the weather held out.

Today was another busy day putting together a cookout for all the volunteers that help Bike man with lake and stream monitoring. Becca and Artena even attended today, and we finished off the day with a boat ride and quick swim in the secret swimming spot!

Didn't spend any time on the bike this weekend so I'm feeling really sluggish. Tomorrow is another day......

Just Wondering

Where did the bird go? I always wonder why a bird will abandon it's nest, especially when it took several days to make that nest. Trisha found this bird's nest last weekend in our yard, but I was unable to identify the type of bird that would build a small nest. Maybe I'll use the nest for something......any ideas!