Howdy! They say that shit a lot at the Big Texan Steakhouse. We had a nice time, except for the problems I had with my shifter. On the way to Amarillo I had to keep pulling over to Mickey Mouse fix my shifter. The shaft stripped out and I was able to fix it and it would last for about 50 miles or so before I had to pull over and do the repair again. 3 times it went out and the last time I just coasted to Tripp’s Harley-Davidson in a high gear. I pulled it into service and they had me out the door in 15 minutes with the problem fixed and warrantied. I rejoined the group and a great time was had by all.

We stayed at the Big Texan Hotel. The room was clean, the mattresses were comfortable, the TV was fairly new with a good channel selection, but the room was very tacky. The hot water in both the sink and bath were reversed. The ceiling above the tub was peeling. The outside had a bunch of smallish litter lying about, including a huge bandaid. It was convenient and since we walked from our room to the restaurant, I actually had more than 1 drink. No, I’m not telling the actual total.

• So I fall asleep last night around 8:00.
• I wake up @ 3:30 exactly.
• I wake up @ that time almost every day.
• There has to be some weird switch in my head that causes this.
• I wish I could change it.
• I’ve had 7.5 hours of sleep and I should be happy about that but it’ll be another 4 hours until Nina is awake and I have nothing to do in this motel room for the next 4 hours.

Heading out to Amarillo for an overnight with the HOG Chapter this morning. It’ll be nice to get away from the store, if only for the 2 days.

We’ve decided that if we can’t get away from here for a real vacation this summer, we’re heading to Paris for a few days. Actually, I think Nina decided, but I tend to agree. Between the both of us, we have enough air miles to do business class with a few bucks added on to cover the balance and taxes.

Peace.

• Pre-Trial Hearing, June 1 @ 1:30
• Final Docket Call, July 17 @ 9:00
• Jury Trial, August 11 @ 9:00

The above is all mandated if there is no plea agreement. A plea offer has been made already and I’m not sure if any progress has been made in that endeavor.

More info will be posted as it comes to me.

Yesterday was a beautiful day to be on a bike. I managed to knock off about 150 miles going to lunch with the Old Fartz and some minor side trips. Today promises to be just as nice. Not sure if I will get out or not, but I’m gonna try.

We were given an old Mac for Erin to use and she brought it to me to figure out the password, but I couldn’t. 5 minutes later she had figured it out. To all my friends: Please contact Erin for all future help with computers. She’s much better than I am.

For all you teachers, grandparents and anyone who knows and converses with children – be careful what you ask for…..

A group of kindergartners were trying very hard to become accustomed to the first grade.

The biggest hurdle they faced was that the teacher insisted on NO baby talk!

You need to use ‘Big People’ words,’ she was always reminding them.

She asked John what he had done over the weekend?

‘I went to visit my Nana.’

‘No, you went to visit your GRANDMOTHER. Use ‘Big People’ words!’

She then asked Mitchell what he had done.

‘I took a ride on a choo-choo.’

She said. ‘No, you took a ride on a TRAIN. You must remember to use ‘Big People’ words.’

She then asked little Alex what he had done?

‘I read a book,’ he replied.

That’s WONDERFUL!’ the teacher said.

‘What book did you read?’

( I love this…)

Alex thought real hard about it, then puffed out his chest with great pride and said: “Winnie the SHIT

• Now that ML is gone, it feels strange here. What was normal with her here is now not needed.
• She returns next Thursday from this break, maybe. Nina will make a final decision about her sometime next week.
• Just so you know, I like this weird feeling. It’s nice not having anyone but us here.

I have trouble saying Happy Memorial Day for a day of remembrance of so many American deaths. I’m actually not sure what word should precede Memorial Day on this occasion, but happy doesn’t seem right. I guess we all have to honor those that died in our own way, with our own words.