Back Again

Nearly six weeks without posting a blog, I guess apologies are in order but, what's point?  I regret my failure to keep abreast of my blog and now its time to try to resurrect what ever remains.

For the past several weeks I've been busy power washing the deck (until the power washer puked), rewiring the downstairs after the flooding (caused by the rusted out water heater), replacing the insulation and hanging drywall.  During this time I was also researching the replacement costs for all of the personal property lost due to water damage.  This effort resulted in a total value an astounding $42,000, of which I received (after depreciation) a little more than 33% of the value; still, not bad considering that many of the items were long forgotten.

Now I have contracted with a plasterer to finish and paint the board which should be completed by some time next week, ready for the finish carpentry, new ceiling tiles and carpet (there's a hint of - "light at the end of the tunnel").

This Saturday, my brother Don is hosting his son's 50th birthday party in Newnan, Georgia (it's amazing
how old Greg has gotten!)

As a result, I'm planning to make a quick trip down and give my congrats.

I must be getting soft after the nearly two months without riding the motorcycle except for a few miles somewhat disastrous miles of local riding (more on the "disastrous part" shortly).  I first planned to ride the bike, but after riding 20 miles to breakfast and enduring the 37 degree temperatures I decided that the hardship wasn't worth the $200 I would likely save.  I'll still take the Harley, but it will be the 2003 Harley Davidson Ford F-150 and not the bike.

It is just as well since the motorcycle needs to go into the "fix-it-shop" to have the front forks and
fender replaced.

I stopped to visit a friend at (ironically) his body shop when, as slowed down to stop (for the second time in less than a year) my clutch cable broke!  Concentrating on keeping the bike upright, I herked and jerked my way to a stop - ALMOST!  In an effort to hit the kill switch, I inadvertently twisted the throttle and accelerated through the open garage to the body shop, narrowly missing another vehicle before colliding with the stone wall to the side the garage.  Embarrassed, I picked myself up while simultaneously explaining to startled onlookers that my clutch cable had indeed broken.