9/06/2015 Heartbreak Ridge with Johnny Calhoun

 It was good to be back out on the MTB again after a long hiatus due a bike wreck on the Little Spike aka Lower Wilson Ridge. I had tweaked my shoulder which has taken a long time to heal. Johnny Calhoun was able to get out today and it was good to get to do a ride with him. It had been too long.

There was some very big downfall on the climb up to the parkway.

Finally on the Parkway.

The first stretch of steep downhill.

One of the views from Jareds Creek Rd.

8/29/15 Hike. Got Out Early. Fighting Back The Blues.

I have had some very negative personal/marital stuff going on lately. I am trying to remain positive and thankful for the good things I have going for me: two wonderful daughters, good health, great job and boss, wonderful and supportive parents who are still healthy at 78 and have always been there for me even when I try their patience and the fact that I am fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the country and allowed plenty of time to explore and play outside.
I also have to say I am thankful for the sobriety that I started on Father's Day, Not partaking in any "spirits" has not been easy but I definitely believe timing could not have been any better considering that the bomb dropped on my family life a few weeks ago would only have been much harder to handle if I were impaired in any way. A clear mind has helped me rationalize that in spite of a bruised ego and heart, I have a helluva lot to be thankful for.
That said,
lately I have had a hard time prying myself off of the couch but I am determined to keep on keeping on. After I hurt my shoulder on the bike wreck a month or so ago, I did good on putting more time into playing music again. Even sticking with that has been a struggle in the last two weeks but I have done a little picking but not nearly enuf grinning. The Blues have been a-visiting me.
I got out on the Catawaba on Monday (I'm actually typing this on 9/5/15) and that was my first paddle since April when I tweaked my recurring shoulder injury on Wilson Creek. It felt great to be on the water and I am getting back out on the Catawba again today. Anyway, I'm motivated to snap out of this and kick things back into high gear. I know one thing, it can always be worse and life goes on. My mantra for awhile will be "Stay Positive and Keep on Keeping On".