Another Birthday In The Books

It's been a whirl wind of a week and the hot weather has been nice but I'm sure we are due for a few days of rain anytime soon. So many people are over it. We complain if it's too hot, and too cold in the winter. I'm loving it. I'd take the heat any day over the cold. I haven't even put the A/C on in the van yet this year. That's what windows are for...roll em' down and drive a lil faster lol. I'm old school that way,

So I headed to Stoney Creek in the evening on Tuesday and parked the van over night at my friend's Aimee's house till morning and headed to a doctor's appointment in Grimsby Wednesday morning. I then rolled on to Brantford where I was going to stay until Saturday morning. Thursday was a quick trip out to see my "Bestie" Connie and her husband in Embro, as she always likes to see me for my birthday. They got me a beautiful t-shirt that has my zodiac sign for Leo (lion) and a golden cross to represent my faith. With always having my safety on her mind, she got me a "Gremlin Bell" for my bike to ward of any evils I may encounter while out riding. And only fitting, her lil grandson Wyatt also got me a new bell as well. So I now have one for the bike and the van. I'll take all the angels that will keep me safe while in my travels that I can get.

My buddy Johnnie took me out for lunch for my birthday at a local deli/bbq place called Strodes in Brantford. OMG is all I can say. If you aren't hungry when you walk in, you will be by the time you leave. I could probably do a post just on this place alone but instead, I'm just going to tell you to go and check out this place for yourself. Incredible food at incredible prices. You can check out their website at www.strodes.ca. They have been around since 1937, they have to be doing something right!

Then for dinner, Johnnie taught me how to make his world famous "Chicken Ecstasy". It definitely makes my top 3 list of last meals if my life every came to that. It's sooooooo good! We had a few drinks and watched the Jay's game. All in all, it was a great birthday.

Saturday was the Annual Crossfire Wrestling BBQ held by the owner/promoter Chris LaPlante. A good time is always had by all with lots of great food and cold drinks to be enjoyed. Chris thought it would be funny to have everyone sing me Happy Birthday on his front lawn as well before I left. He sure knows how to draw a crowd. 

I headed back to Parry Sound last night in hopes that the traffic would be better then today, and a little cooler for travelling and I was right. I surprised my Mom this morning by showing up to her church without her knowing I was home. She's always so happy when I join her and my nephew Sunday mornings. Then to top it off, my sister Colette arrived yesterday from Texas to spend the next 9 days in Parry Sound with her sister Yvonne. We had a big family dinner at my Brother's with much chatter and catching up, calling it an early night for all of us.

I hope to be here for a couple weeks before I head south again. Get some much needed family time in and a few more miles put on the bike.

Tomorrow is another day.

It's the way she goes...

She's Done!

It's been quite the week. Monday and Tuesday was taken up by helping my buddy "Johnnie Hollywood" out with being his chauffeur so he could have laser/cataract surgery. He lives in Brantford and the surgery was in Oakville, with the follow up appointment the next day in Hamilton. He was completely amazed what the difference between the 2 eyes are now. He said he sees everything in 4D, and details he never knew existed. He gets his other eye done later this month.

Speaking of details, when driving back north on Wednesday, there was a haze/fog that started in Barrie and followed right through to Parry Sound. Apparently it's the smoke blowing in from Manitoba. Crazy to think it can travel that far. It's still lingering around, but at least the heat wave has broken and we are having some really nice days as of late. Warm during the day, and last night it got down to 12 degrees. Perfect for sleeping.

Thursday was long overdue, as I was able to finally to get the clutch cable/handle put on the bike and working with the kind help of my friend Jason. Patience is a virtue and we both proved it. It's finally up and running. What a relief! Yesterday was a rest day and today I made my way out to Jason's house to give the bike a much needed bath. It was so dirty. Tomorrow we are headed out in the morning to get the back tire changed then heading out for a well deserved ride. Real friends show up, without asking in times of need, and Jason truly is one of them.

Not sure what the plan is for Monday and Tuesday, probably some production work for the radio station. Wednesday I head back south for a doctor's appointment, Friday in Brantford for my birthday, Saturday is the annual Crossfire Wrestling BBQ, and then hit the road Sunday back to Parry Sound. In between all of that, who knows what else I'll find.

Stay safe out there if you are travelling this long weekend. Let's all make it home.

Tomorrow is another day.

It's the way she goes...