Donstar

I picked a relative up from the ferry terminal a couple of days ago. She called me yesterday to report that the people she'd been visiting just tested positive for Covid. I thanked her for her call, told my wife, and then we carried on with our day. The same call one or two years ago would have caused considerable stress! I have rapid tests in my dresser and will make a conscious effort to keep my distance from others and wear a mask in stores for the next little while. This is how I deal with a covid exposure and know others would do more while many would do less. It is a great example of how we process information and how time impacts what we've learned. The part of the process that my wife and I often discuss is how differently people process similar information. This is usually a good thing. My wife and I grew up in the same neighbourhood, we are the same age and have lived with each other for 50 years. We share friends and watch TV together. You'd think we'd agree on everything and/or run out of things to talk about but we both can "spark a debate" at a moment's notice!

The part that could make me laugh or cry is why this ^^^ is newsworthy. The news picked up on a humorous vocabulary slip and not about the prosecution of the tobacco industry. My career often found me speaking to good sized audiences and it was often a challenge to know if what I was saying is what the audience was hearing. I remember a naysayers review (third hand) of one of my more impassioned speeches was "same sh**, different day". Of course my supporters were very complementary and were able to list the fresh ideas and directions mentioned in the speech. I started my career as an elementary school teacher. I would typically dismiss my students one at a time at the end of the day by requiring a ticket. Their ticket out was to tell me one thing they learned that day. The idea was for the kids to report this new knowledge to their parents when asked what they did in school today. Telling me something negative or personal about another person typically made for an invalid ticket.

I am very cautious around people but believe most are good. Not pointing guns at other people (toy or otherwise) and showing respect to seniors are lessons I attribute mostly to my childhood peers. I also worked in the school system and dealt with pretty messed up kids but most had basic qualities. Showing disrespect to the elderly and/or disabled is not popular in most groups. I am guessing most of us have bragged about a deed only to find out your "friend(s)" thought differently.

Yes, I'm sure he found support. I like to think his circle is larger which increases his chances for "education".

I know we find comfort in a variety of ways but of course gas prices are influenced by many factors. I pay very high gas prices and vote for leaders based on a diversity of issues. I also have no voting ability in the US. I am guesstimating that I'm paying $2. more per gallon than I was at this time last year. However, our monthly gas expense has remained about the same. We all have some effective and immediate control over how much we pay for gas which I think was the intent of this thread. Dave Ramsey advocates giving every dollar a job. I now advocate giving every trip in the truck a job. We keep lists of tasks and needed items on the kitchen counter. We make every trip have an extra job which has served to significantly reduce wasted trips.

Exactly. I also hope that when he brags to his friends about his bravado, one sets him straight. I believe it would be a challenge to find a high-school peer group where this particular behavior would garner any respect. However, the gaps in development that would make this acceptable may be too hard to repair. I don't carry but someone would have had a clear opportunity to return fire with a pretty solid defense.

Yesterday while out walking, a young man shot a sponge type bullet at me from the passenger side of passing pickup while calling out an obscenity. I felt horrible for the young man pulling the trigger. His upbringing obviously lacked in key areas. We all like playing and teaching our children when they are young but become more "hands off" when they get older. You can still respect your child's independence while providing continuous guidance and supervision. I'm certain Covid forced many families to be closer and this shouldn't be dropped like a mask. My three kids always enjoyed age appropriate freedoms but we always required a "place and purpose" when they weren't home. In return, they always knew what we were doing and how to get ahold of us and they still do!

One thing about $2 a litre for gas is savings appear quickly! Running off to the store for one item in a pickup truck is no longer the norm at our home. Also driving across town to save a couple of dollars on a sale item has become a thing of the past. I am not a fan of high fuel prices as incentive to reduce emissions, but it is effective!

We are still dealing/living with covid. Local news stated yesterday that over 50% of people in my region are or had been infected. It is comforting how time, medicine and understanding has cooled fears. Yesterday, for the second time in a week, I had a person say I can't come to their home because s/he had just tested positive. Both times I went to meet outdoors, at a distance and masked. How we interact with each other and how we behave as consumers have changed since pre-pandemic times.

On Google reviews the owner responded by saying this tip feature was in response to customer requests and that customers are free to decline. (BS) Next time, I'll plan ahead and save money by going to my dealership!

My truck's info screen reminded me it was time for service. I need to go out of town tomorrow so I decided to "drive-thru" our local quick lube. I was pleased with the service but surprised when their payment device asked me for a tip %! Has anyone else been asked for a tip for vehicle service? Maybe this is a feature of the new normal

I bought an item off of FB Marketplace for my trike yesterday. The seller had a trike identical to mine and a similar rationale for switching from two wheels. Later on in the day I met a guy on a trike at a stop sign and we both pulled over and chatted. His story was also similar. The coincidence that stood out for me is both men mentioned covid as the catalyst to make the transition from 2 to 3 wheels. They both spoke about taking the time to think and plan their futures while being aware of their advancing years and physical limitations. I found these engagements cathartic. This new vehicle was a major purchase for me and did create considerable stress. A takeaway is our dilemmas are very rarely unique and we should never need to "suffer in silence"!

This is a fine mantra, not for everything, but for those activities you hope to see disappear. My wife has a revolving "to do" list for me and many tasks are prefaced with, "Not today". Just like tomorrow, these assignments never come. However, these tasks may appear on today's list as another thing I forgot . I struggled with the losing interest part of riding a motorcycle and I am capable of riding a two wheeler. The effort required to dress for riding and the alertness required were too often assigned to tomorrow. The physical demands were taking away too much of the enjoyment. I had entertained giving up this activity so I carved more time out of my day to seriously review the pros and cons of bike ownership. I knew that if I sold my bike, I will not likely return to riding "tomorrow". Texter was a major con for my bike and s/he is still after me on my trike. However, s/he forces me to be alert at all times. Texter ensures my adrenalin supply and sphincter muscle are functioning. ( I was also a formidable Pong player in the 70's...) Polly isn't a worry but Bambi continues to startle me no matter what I'm driving! As an aside, wildlife and unleashed domestic animals are a significant challenge here for drivers. My motorcycle safety instructor, 10 years ago, devoted a lot of time on the animal portion. So far her words ring out when I'm choosing to dodge, deke out, or aim for center mass. Hearing the clunk of first gear when sitting on a Harley, 2 or 3 wheels, is a #1 on my pro column!

My Harley trike seems to attract interested senior bikers. The conversations generally center around an imaginary time in the future when they may transition to three wheels. One person I spoke to on Sunday appears to be past the time when he should be driving anything on public roads! I caution those who think of a trike as a safety net to extend their biker days. Trikes are physically demanding and share the increased risks associated with motorcycles. They may be big, but they're still invisible to car drivers! The sad part of some of these conversations is an apparent denial of their position in the life cycle. If you're old, embrace your age. Some like to wait until tomorrow and we all know what they say about tomorrow!

Karnut and I have both been known to sing the praises of Dave Ramsey's financial wisdom. The pandemic found us banking funds which has allowed me to purchase my Harley Davidson Freewheeler. It is a "depreciating asset" but it is something to show for all of our unspent covid travel and entertainment money! The funny thing is that my Freewheeler and respect for Dave Ramsey are only discussed in my online life! In real-life, if I mention Dave Ramsey I'm met with a, "Who is Dave Ramsey?". If people come to look at my bike, more often than not, they'll start with, "What is this?

Last night I watched a YouTube documentary on the Monkees (1960's TV rock band). it is a story about four individual young actors being hired to portray a successful rock band of the era. Initially the music and show were hugely successful and the four stars went on to struggle to live their television roles in real life. It was a great story on how we can be influenced by our public/media/environment. This analogy might be a stretch, but I do believe we're all pretty similar in our thinking. We are all heavily influenced by our surroundings and often adopt other people's thoughts without employing our own! As a school administrator, I dealt with many, many school yard fights. In most cases the squabbles became physical because of peer pressure, and escalated with increasing peer pressure. It takes a strong person to "appear" weak to their public. Over the past two years, my wife and I have had lots of time to explore and define our own futures. It is incredible how everything we plan is framed by the approval of family, friends and neighbors!

I also try to keep informed yet nothing I have found comforts me about people killing one another. The acquisition of territory or people by physical force is barbaric, archaic and uncivilized. Humans are pretty intelligent and most of us learn in our toddler years that words are more effective than our fists. I can understand a leader drunk with power going off his/her rocker but I'm stymied how they attract such followers that will give their lives for them. At least there are avenues open for me as an individual to help the victims of this current war. We are so lucky that we can turn off the news and safely go about our daily lives. The picture below reflects my Covid journey and I won't bore you by repeating the details of why I say this! The funny thing is that this trip on my trike was to pick up a box of free rapid covid tests from our pharmacy. Covid is still making its rounds!

We spent three days in the big city area and I was impressed with the hybrid covid models in the hotel, shops and public conveyances. People were doing as they pleased within these abbreviated restrictions and all were respectful to one another. Watching the news from home last night could lead me to believe everyone is fighting over Covid stuff! We have people protesting past, present and future mandates! It is important to be informed but it is also good to turn off the media to experience the real world and appreciate life! We look after our own mental health so that we are able to contribute in a productive manner. I get saddened when the horrific coverage of Ukraine is back to back news with local anti-mask convoys. Our energy, concern, empathy, support and fund-raising efforts are all needed to protect these victims of this disgusting "war". It is incomprehensible how anyone alive today can accept the deliberate killing of others. Mrs. D and I made a donation to the Red Cross for the people of Ukraine. I know its a proverbial drop in a very big bucket. However, if we're not part of the solution, we're part of the problem.

I'm travelling now to attend a special birthday for a close family member. Most Covid restrictions have eased but I am pleased that so many people continue being respectful of others. I usually wear a mask in public venues but not embarrassed if I forget to put one on! These past two years have created a new awareness. (I don't like "new normal") Having the extra time forced me to enjoy my surroundings. It is nice to stay in a hotel and visit new places and people but I am sure looking forward to getting back to my things! It is also quite a shock to spend so much money so fast! Every night in a Hotel translates to one less accessory for my Harley and/or my Wife!

On Friday I picked up a slightly used Harley Davidson Freewheeler(3 wheels) using a rented box trailer from Home Depot. Yesterday I drove it for the first time. My hours of spare time YouTube viewing of reviews and test drives of the Freewheeler helped tremendously. Riding a full-sized touring trike is a modified combination between a sports car and a motorcycle with its own characteristics. The benefit of 44 mpg is not unnoticed. A 5 gallon container of gas, safely tucked away, could serve us well in an emergency. The pandemic and the war in Ukraine are issues demanding a lot on our personal security. Even if we believe we know the solution or the person(s) to blame, we still are facing some very real individual fallout. Look after #1, or put on your own oxygen mask first!

You're absolutely correct. I ended up being the person to pay full price!

After a protracted negotiation process on a new to me Harley Davidson, I have decision to make. The dealership was patient with me as I continued to improve my offer. They skillfully kept countering with their original offer . They have informed me they are done and wish to give me back my deposit. The difference in our price to purchase is not life altering but I wish for once I could feel like I got a good deal! I believe this purchase is hugely impacted by the pandemic and fuel supply for both seller and buyer. The dealership knows supply is short of this particular trike. Current fuel costs are providing me incentive to make a deal! Words cannot express how fortunate I am to have such a tale of woe. The impacts of the pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine are foremost in my thoughts. The other stuff serves as distraction.

Well I am in the middle of negotiating for a new trike through the internet. It is a new experience with one clear advantage. I have time to think carefully about my responses. A day at the dealership has been replaced by days of thoughtful exchanges of notes and photos! (I bought my current bike from this dealership in the traditional manner so this is a legit transaction.) I doubt I'll get a better deal this way but I'll sleep better having had the time to think out every step of the process!

Ouch! We're only around $2 per litre here....

I stayed up later than usual last night YouTubing Harley Davidson trikes. I am hoping to extend my good weather pastime for another few riding seasons and I am considering a three wheeler. It is incredible that this research option is available. You think you're on a rarely travelled path and then you discover that your dilemma is shared by many. However, there is something to be said for too much information because my con list grew as fast as my pro list! The one decision I have made is that a Freewheeler more closely meets my wants than a Tri-Glide. I love the sound, feel, and shifting gears of my 9 year old 96 cu.in. If I need highway comfort and tunes, I use my truck!