lost and found in retirement
Today is the fourteenth anniversary of my triple coronary bypass surgery. I had a minor heart attack a few days earlier. I suffered several setbacks in the days following surgery. I was placed in a drug-induced coma. I had two additional surgeries. I spent ten days in cardiac intensive care. I left the hospital feeling pretty broken after a seventeen-day stay. That time in my…
I sat on the curb disappointed in myself in Asheboro, North Carolina. I was well into the third day of my mountains to coast ride. Two hilly days were under my belt. Temps were in the nineties with humidity approaching the same. The forty-four miles on my third day were hilly, really hilly. The last eighteen miles beat me down. I was facing 26 rolling…
Each weeknight Americans settle in for an evening of relaxation by tuning into Jeopardy! The show has ruled early evening television for over 55 years. Alex Trebek, one of the most recognizable faces on TV, has made “Let’s play Jeopardy!” one of the hallmarks of contemporary American culture. Alex Trebek announced in March of this year that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was…
Tom reflects on discovering his Swiss roots on his bicycle tour through the Swiss Mittelland.
I began touring Europe by bicycle in 2017. Exploring Europe has been high on my bicycle touring bucket list. Retirement made that possible. I toured Hungary in 2017 and the Czech Republic in 2018. Both of these tours were guided tours. Touring Europe by bicycle is quite popular. There are many tour operators that offer options to suit any cyclist’s abilities and desires. I find…
I pedaled through dark tunnels of green with mountain laurel to my right and the sound of rushing waters to my left for three days. The forest unfolded and the sun streamed on my bike as the trail approached Meyersdale. The view ahead was stunning. The Salisbury viaduct appeared as a ribbon of steel and concrete high above the expansive open valley. Wind turbines rimmed…
My mind often wanders when cycling. I enjoy the solitude of cycling solo and the conversation and company cycling with others. This past week my pal Greg and I spent considerable time in conversation on our week long bike ride. Here are some random thoughts that crossed my mind. Life is challenges Everyone has their comfort zone, that feel good place where living is easy….
I am challenging myself to read more, a failed challenge for several years. I recently found the magic bullet to making it happen. I read in bed for an hour before I fall asleep. It’s relaxing and a perfect way to end my day. I am working my way through my Kindle library and stack of unread books. I recently finished “Old Man on a…