The last time I posted here, Maine was experiencing a major cold spell. Today, on the first day of the last month of 2014, we have set a record for the warmest December first since thermometers were used to measure something other than the internal temperature of turkeys.
It reached 60 degrees this afternoon in Portland; the average for the date is 42. And I went for a ride, with the understanding that it was likely to be the final one without my Antarctic gear.
Indeed, at 11 pm, it's 37 degrees, with a low of 22 predicted. Snow tomorrow night. Well, it was bound to happen - this is another Maine winter after all
My last ride was just before Halloween, and Mike and I admired this artsy little display in a neighboring town boasting refined residents. In my town, we wait for the kids to snatch pumpkins from gardens, and smash them in the roads. Then we gather the exposed seeds to provide our little vandals with a fresh crop of gourds for the next autumn.
My last ride was just before Halloween, and Mike and I admired this artsy little display in a neighboring town boasting refined residents. In my town, we wait for the kids to snatch pumpkins from gardens, and smash them in the roads. Then we gather the exposed seeds to provide our little vandals with a fresh crop of gourds for the next autumn.
Mike blocks my way to the sandy beach, knowing my proclivity for stupid scooter stunts
Tom, Mike is right. A boat ramp is no place for a Vespa. It's not a Skidoo, even if you ride it like a bat out of hell, it's gonna sink like a stone.
ReplyDeleteDavid,
ReplyDeleteI agree - but the thought of a 10-foot rooster tail behind a speeding Vespa, even for a few feet, is fantastic!
Tom
Glad you could get out while the weather was warm.
ReplyDeleteI am not looking forward to cold weather riding even with my headed grips and heated jacket liner. So far the rain has been enough to keep me off the bike for a month or so.
Tom sand rooster tails cool ... sunken vespas, well ... I love the pumpkin display. Nice to see Mike is looking out for you.
ReplyDeleteVStar Lady,
DeleteWithout Mike along on rides around water, I would be a featurette in some 'Only in America.'
'Elderly fool drowns in lake. Widow says Vespa was recovered and is for sale'
Tom
Trobairitz,
ReplyDeleteRiding in the cold, for me at least, has lost its sheen. A few years ago, I was proud to say, "Well, as for me - I ride year round!"
But nowadays, I sit in front of my wood stove, rock in my old rocking chair, and frown at any one walking by the house not completely outfitted for the weather.
Getting old - maybe. But I'm warm.
Tom
LOL, me too!
ReplyDeleteWinter is for reading, eating, and napping.
Spring through fall is for riding, writing, reading, eating, and napping!
And we've had crazy weather here too!
Deb,
DeletePerfect delineation of the duties of the rider!
Tom
Tom, old and warm ain't bad, not at all. Nice to see you again.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! And I must add 'contented,' for I can truthfully say that I have all that I need to survive and to thrive.
Delete