Slept around the clock

I flopped on the sofa around 4:00PM and slept until 8:00 this morning. I did wake up in my bed, somehow, though. Before that I slept for 12 hours, taking a break to watch Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon at shrijani's house.

I hope I don't have Lyme Disease or something. I say that because I pulled a tick off my leg about two weeks ago. Actually, every year after the school year ends I find myself having to "sleep it off." It has taken several days in previous years. I hope I am finished now.

Big plans today: Teach aikido, buy groceries, and then drive into KC just to feed my parents' cats. (I asked for gas money this time, which should be cheaper than hiring one of those "pet sitter" services.)

I am taking my bike so that I can check out one of those paved bike trails in Johnson County. I am thinking of picking up the trail at Shawnee Mission Park, riding it to the river, then turning around and seeing how far south I can go.

Just Call Me "Locomotive Breath"

Today's riding adventure began in Shawnee Mission Park near 87th and continued to the river north of Johnson Drive and back. The trip was 17 miles. It was lovely riding through the park on the paved path. There were strategically placed benches with lovely views along the way. I loved the wildlife experiences. I saw bluebirds, lots of bunnies and even two deer in the field who darted across the path in front of me as I approached.

At one point I was biking alongside the railroad tracks and I was actually going FASTER than the train! I was doing about 15 mph and the train was not. Later a train on the way back had five engines and kicked my butt...

The route, though beautiful, was hilly. It was much more hilly than any other paved bike path I have attempted. I even considered taking the road back. There were a couple of points where I was standing on the pedals (in the granny gear!). I was seriously sucking air in a few spots, too. I passed an older lady who was walking her bike up the hill. She said, "Ah, the joy of youth!" It was almost the end of the line and I was still at the top of the hill stretching when she came by. It felt good to be a "youth" again, almost as good as outrunning a train!