Author Archives: tbavendam

It was a great day in DC yesterday. Weather was iffy because of intermittent hard rain but I managed to always be inside for the worst of it. I had a 10-12 mile bike ride with Bruce with a couple of long hills which I was able to do pretty easily on his lighter bikeContinue reading “DC welcomes me”

On my way to DC for my annual check in with GI doctor. She does a procedure that I cannot get done in Nashville. I don’t mind because it is an opportunity to cycle with Bruce who is the best cycling partner ever and visit other friends as well. I got a text last nightContinue reading “Waiting at the airport”

I am so utterly grateful that I was smart enough (6 years) ago to say yes to the opportunity to ride the Natchez Trace. I was already working with a personal trainer – primarily to strengthen muscles to avoid knee pain. I knew I was not “fit” and was clearly overweight. Even though I knewContinue reading “Retirement is Hard Work”

I have had so much fun with the Spring build season which sadly ends on Sunday. We started with building wall panels for the houses waiting for the streets to be laid and inspected so the pipes could be laid. Once roads and pipes were done, contractors made the foundations – 4 to start withContinue reading “Habitat for Humanity Update”

One of the benefits of having dramatically diminished smell is that using the porta-potty’s on the Habitat Build sites is not an issue. In fact, I could stay in long enough to notice this sign and get stumped by it. Capacity 10 people – now I suppose if everyone was sitting and you could layerContinue reading “Read the small print”

My carpal tunnel surgery was 3 days ago. It was a piece of cake aside from having to be there at 530 AM. Procedure around 730 and home by 9 AM. My hand was numb much longer than I anticipated but I have had no pain. I need to leave the dressing on until Saturday.Continue reading “I can sleep lying down again”

KJ is the woman who got me started cycling and introduced me to many wonderful people on a 9 day bike ride down the Natchez Trace (444 miles) to celebrate her 80th birthday. The year prior to this 80th birthday ride, she had broken both of her legs skiing. She returned to skiing and cycling.Continue reading “Resiliency on steroids”

Kay lives down the street from Willy Tacos. A understated exterior with great food and outdoor seating. I had wanted to go there to eat before we went to Provence but that didn’t work out so I thought we would go there today for lunch before I left Spartanburg. Well, Willy Tacos is closed onContinue reading “Mexican Food for Memorial Day”

We got up at 230 AM with plan to leave at 330 AM with goal of being at Marseilles Airport at 430 AM for 645 AM flight. We successfully drove our SUV onto the narrow street for easy loading of luggage. While we were very quiet, a neighbor woman seemed disturbed that we had theContinue reading “An uneventful return to US”

Alarm is set for 230 AM so se can be on there road by 339 AM for an hour drive to Marseilles for a 645 AM flight. I will be driving. I have taken a small amount of sleeping pill as it is not yet sunset to help be get to sleep. I enjoyed someContinue reading “A wonderful last day in Provence”