three hundred eighty two

 SEASON CHANGE IN CENTRAL OREGON

The leaves are changing, frost on roof tops and I'm shopping for heated gloves for my motorcycle. I'm not a fan of cold weather, far too many years freezing my butt working in a meat cooler. 

Over thirty four years in Ohio's unpredictable weather, twenty years in Arizona where the heat was perfect in my opinion, seven years freezing in San Francisco year around, and four years in Hawaii that is paradise except for bugs, mold and volcano smoke.

I'm now on the edge of a giant pine forest and massive high desert. Cold clear lakes, trout filled streams, snow capped mountain views and yes, snow.  

After losing 30 pounds and fitting into my skinny clothes again, I still walk 10 to 17 miles four days a week. The other days I ride my loaded bike and still ride my motorcycle to most places. 

I think I need new shoes...

My 7am AA meetings in the local parks are moving inside. I dread going to the gym (it has people) but I think I can find a slow time to concentrate on a weight program without advice or small talk.

Empty, the way I like it...

Getting a routine after retirement has been a challenge. I spend less time wallowing in the daily political soap opera and take a 30,000 ft overview of events. Yes the country is a shit show but I still have faith the pendulum will swing back but I can only do so much. Stressing out and having a stroke or heart attack won't solve a thing. 

Living my life a full as I can helping guys get sober is my focus now. Life happens in spite of Washington DC. I cherish the people in my life both past and present. The shit show in Washington only has 30 to 60 minutes of my day. 

Snow is coming I may grab a medical transport job or drive a retirement home bus for a few bucks. My commercial drivers license is about to expire, it only puts a small dent in my ego but it's time. 

I know I have another long ride or three in my future but I can't say when, for now I do it a day at a time.