A fucking heat wave, in a manner of speaking

Greetings Readers

As the post states... A "heat wave"

I was actually enjoying the nice break from the negative and single digit temperatures.

Also, we got another round of snow so I am still riding Lily.

This picture was taken about 6:30 P.M. I used the auto correct on the picture so the picture is way lighter than it way. It was pretty dark, pretty slick and where I was riding I was the only traffic that had come through in a while. Also, snow was falling lightly.

You may think I am a bad ass for riding in this weather, but I have to state that I am not as bad of a bad ass that I know of. She rides in Alaska and has a fucking nice bike for this type of weather, knows how to dress warm for the Alaska cold and does this with a smile. We Coloradoans experience real cold from time to time and this a period of time that we going through right now.

I do get bundled up and ready to ride in this cold excited, but then I think of that one woman in Alaska and she has so much more bad ass factor than me that she puts me into place - yet that draws a smile from me.

LOL.

Anyway, I thought me crouching next to this concrete wall would make a good picture. And I think it does.

Enjoy the weekend fellow Denverites.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Damn - It's Cold Again!

Greetings Readers

There is not much else I can say, except I think it was the coldest it has been this fall (not quite winter, yet.)

Anyway, this is me in the RTD Light taking the Light as far as I can so....

1. I can keep warm as long as possible.
2. Keep from riding on the ice and black ice that is on the road in the dark.
3. I guess I do use my noggin' every once in awhile.
4. Show

Supposedly, we are going to have a heat wave coming. Meaning, we will actually get to point of freezing on the thermometer

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

West Nile Virus Coming Again ?

Greetings Readers

Those damn flying gnats. Or perhaps they are damn mosquitoes. I also can hear the bugs making noise in the trees. I see grasshoppers. I can hear the frogs and other things that make sounds outside my humble nearby the running creek.

I had not realized that I did not miss these bugs when we had the 23 days of basically a heat wave (90 degrees plus). Matter of fact, I never even noticed that the bugs have not been around. Since Denver has not had any rain for about two months I do not think that the conditions have been right for the Mosquitoes to come out of the ponds, puddles and standing pools of water.

Last year, I remember hearing in the news – West Nile Vile. And many towns north of Denver where actually were spraying for mosquitoes. You Readers who do not reside in Colorado we did have a big problem with West Nile Virus last year.

Matter of fact, I was a bit worried about West Nile Virus. I did not want any mosquito sticking its needlelike funnel mouth into any part of my body. I did not want to bike ride in a certain area of Colorado. I was very cautious when ever I saw a dead bird in the street or on the route that I was biking on. And let me tell you readers there were a lot of dead birds that I saw on the road and sidewalks on the South side of Denver.

Dead birds you ask yourself. Readers, I saw on TV that if there are dead birds most likely they died from West Nile Virus infection. I only listen to that one news bit, but never followed up on hearing that news. Meaning, how many bites from a Mosquito did it take? How long did the bird take to die from West Nile Virus? And any other questions I did not think of at that time.

People were actually encourage to call Department of Health for any dead birds so they can do an autopsy, so to speak, for West Nile Virus infection.

All this summer I am glad that the one thing that I am seeing on the road are flatten squirrels and rabbits. And there have been a lot of flatten squirrels and rabbits. In case any of you readers wonder what I mean by “flatten” is that the animal got run over a vehicle.

Looking back on last year it is funny now, but it was not funny a year ago. Any time that I was outside and I thought I felt or did feel something land on my skin I move hand so quick to slap the area that I felt, or thought I felt, that some bug landed on my skin. I took no chances and I was sure quick about slapping any part of my skin I felt or thought I felt something land.

Now, this year so far I have not heard any West Nile Virus infection or outbreak. And this may be due to no rain and the hot, hot weather. Or perhaps the spraying from last year helped for mosquito control this year. Though I would not have a clue if that were even possible.

Now, with the all the rain that we have had in the past week the bugs are out, the trees and grass are green, and my allergies have started once more. Yet, when I got a face full of flying gnats, I hope, I quickly brushed my face clean and rode fast through that part of the area. Readers, when I got a face full of something flying I immediately thought Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus. As soon as I rode clear of that little area I started slapping my legs and arms and brushing my bike jersey and bike shorts free of anything that might have landed / flew on me.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

23 days over 90 degrees

Greetings Readers

Today will mark the 23rd day of being over 90 degrees straight. And we are not just talking 90's either - we have had more than a few 100 degree days. Such as this past weekend - I think it was 104 and 103 on Saturday and Sunday. Well, as I listened to the news this morning I hear that today is going to be end of the most consecutive days in a row. There is a cold front moving in, the jet stream is dropping into Colorado and some moisture is coming in from the South.

Damn, I could be a weatherperson also. Nayh, then I would more less credible than I am now.

I turned off the A/C last night so I am back to the open windows and fan running the window sill. No problem. I just could not bear sleeping restlessly and sweaty as I did last week. I did have a nice cool humble abode that I was not used to. I sure enjoyed coming home to a cool abode. Yet, I miss the night sounds coming in from the windows that I usually keep open. I do like to hear the sprinklers come on in the early morning and the water splashing in a water fountain nearby. I also miss the sound in the distance every once in a while sound of a fire engine, police car, or Ambulance whining away.

Tomorrow, we are going to be in the 80's for the first time in 24 days. I actually do care since we all have been suffering in this heat wave that is going to end today.

Well, sorry about overloading you readers with all those pictures with my bike and new rims at various locations in Denver and Downtown Denver.
I am going to share a few more. These are other shots from different points of views of the landmark used in the various pictures.

I have also included a picture of the "Cash Register" building that I ran up from the first floor to the top floor two years ago. You can see that the morning sun is being reflected in the southern windows of the building. I hope you can see the height of the building and how tall it does look. Granted, Denver does not have true skyscrapers, like the ones that I saw and went into in Seattle, Washington, but we do have a few high buildings, BUT not a lot.

Also, I have included a before and after picture of Andrea with the new HED. rims and the old rims that came with the bike when I purchase. Man oh man, it is amazing what a set of expensive rims can do to a bike. I mean she was like just the real Andrea that she is named after, but with the HED. rims it now puts Andrea in the Ultra-Supermodel category. Just thought to share.

P.S. I just checked the http://www.usopen.org/ website and the U.S. Open towels for this year's U.S. Open are now on sale. Woo Hoo! Time for me and my friend to order our U.S. Towels and be better than just your regular U.S. Open Fan.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Sticking it to No-One

Greetings Readers

I wanted to ride this morning. Meaning that I wanted to do some laps at Cherry Creek Reservoir. I got Andrea ready, I grabbed four water bottles and some Orange GU and was able to get out the door at 7:00 AM.

As I neared Cherry Creek I saw that vehicles were everywhere. Uh-oh I thought a triathlon was probably scheduled for today. Yet, I thought I remember seeing signs for the Triathlon for next week. Anyway, so much for riding in Cherry Creek with the Woman's Danskin Tri, I think. I did not know nor could care less I just knew that I was not going to ride in the State Park.

Yet, I got up this morning and was ready to do some miles on the bike today. I decided that I would casually ride down to Denver and get some pictures of my bike at various locations in Denver. That was the goal. Just some casual riding and some pictures thrown in for good measure.

As, I got onto the bike paths I could not believe how many people there were on the trails at 7:30 AM. I guess riders, walkers, roller bladers wanted to do their thang before the heat of the day crept in. I usually see a few riders here and there, but I could not believe how many people were out that early in the morning.

I decided to go slow - again. Yep, to show off those HED. rims. Alot, of people past me and I did not care one bit. I smiled at the woman, most smiled back. I listened to my tires againt the bike path. I listened to the sirens from Fire Engines, Police Cars and Ambulances. I obeyed all traffic lights and waited for the lights to turn green for me. Though, the streets were clear for blocks and I would be safe in crossing the light. But I had no real reason to run a red light. Matter of fact, I have my HED. rims to show off to the people in Downtown Denver on Sunday Morning.

I decided to go with a theme - a picture of my bike at various Denver Landmarks and known places in Denver that are not true "Landmarks"

I went to Cherry Creek Mall, Civic Center park, the Capitol, The "Cash Register" building, a church on Broadway, Federal buildings, Union Station, Confluence Park, The Colorado Convention Center and then at every opportunity I had I looked at my reflection in the many windows in Downtown Denver. I looked... er my bike looked pretty cool with those nice rims I have.

I know shallow, but in my opinion, if it makes me happy and smile then I will continue to do. After all how many of you readers will ever purchase a pair of expensive rims.

All in all, I had a nice morning ride and I was back home just before noon. I enjoyed some post ride beer and BBQ chicken and a cool abode.

Oh yes, I finally caved and turned on the A/C. It is, and soon going to be was, nice to be hot.

And as the post title says - it was a "Sticking it no one" day.

P.S. I know that I posted a lot of pictures, but I did really go everywhere downtown and to my blog readers that do not live in Colorado I am at least giving them a view of some common Landmarks in Denver itself.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Sticking it to the Man

Greetings Readers

The dog days of August.

Well, I am not sure if that is right to write. Anyway, Yesterday I have given notice not to renew my membership at the CAC. I would like to continue, but I/they are not seeing eye to eye. No negotiations/haggling for price. Well, if you are not going to bend or counter offer my price, then I really do not see the benefit of re-newing for the sakes of re-newing for an entire year.

I countered by making the renewal rate at x dollars and no cents. Yes, it was below the amount quoted to me, but not unreasonable offer. They said they couldn't. private. already getting a discount. Well, if you are not going to bend for basically 30.00 dollars then too bad.

I have other things that expense for not re-newing could be used for. So, I am going to see if someone calls from the CAC before my membership ends at the end of the month. If no call, then no problem. I will be sad, but then as I mentioned I will have the bones for something else like a plasma tv. Yeah, plasma tv that would nice. Or perhaps another set of HED rims, different style, but oh yeah that's a desire that could come true.

After I dropped off my written notice last night I decided that I was going to go to the Arapahoe Marketplace and have a coke where I normally do after a bike ride. I had my rims, I was feeling good and it was after work which meant people were out shopping. In turn, I get more chances for people to see me and my rims. Ha ha.

I pull up to the Alberston's store and buy a Coca-Cola from the Coca-Cola vending machine. As I parked my bike at the curb I see a guy looking towards me while walking to Albertson's. Though he was probably looking at my bike. He does not know that I see him looking at me. Well, he then alters his course and starts walking to me.

"Hey do you think I need rim tape? I'm asking you because I heard that I do not need rim tape and you look like you know something about bikes since your bike looks like a racing bike and who better to ask right?

Being in such a happy mood, I made no sarcastic remark about how in the fuck would I know if he needs rim tape or not. I responded that the spokes are attached to the rims from the inside and depending on the manufacturer the spokes on the inside of the rim could be screwed in perhaps, welded or some other way that the spoke might be attached. I also mentioned that I honestly do not know much about spokes except how to true up the rims when needed.

But I added that he probably should have rim tape since that even though the spoke is probably flushed with the rim there could be some way or some edge that could rub against the tube and pop the tube. I told him that I have rim tape in all of my bikes and the cost of the rim tape is from 3 to 10 dollars so that extra expense is not that much compared to a bike tube that is also in the same price range.

He said thanks and ...

"by the way that is one sweet bike you got there"

Oh yeah, the smile on my face got bigger. As I wrote before - not a day goes by that I do not get a nice comment about my bike/rims.

When I was going home after enjoying my Coca-Cola I decided to stop by the Liquor Store. Yep, I parked in front of the liquor store, hung my bag around the seat and then threaded the bike cable through the bag handles, both rims, and bike rim. I was nervous, but I did not want to bike back up the road to get six of beer since I am already there.

Anyway, I decided to try something new, beer wise, and chose Flying Dog Ales - the porter beer. Not bad, but not very good. The cost was about 8 and change. But that is not really the reason for bringing this up.

I was reading the packaging and then I got to the beer label and read the back of the beer - and smiled once more. Damn, I sure did a lot of smiling yesterday. What made me smile was "...sticking it to the man." Because I uttered those same exact words earlier that day.

I am sticking it to the man, by not buying Coca-Cola from our vending machine at work. The cost for a bottle of Coca-Cola or and pop was a $ 1.00. Now, as of last week someone has changed all the prices on the vending machine to a $ 1.25. .25 cents extra. I got bent. Actually, I am still bent about the price increase. I had no problem paying a dollar a bottle, but now I have a problem by paying a $ 1.25 a bottle. It is twenty-five cents, but technically that is a 25 percent increase in price and that is what I have a problem with.

So, with me not buying any Coca-Cola's from the work vending machine, in my view, "I am sticking it to the man" I have started bringing cans of coke from the 12 packs I buy at the grocery store and I have Jenny's Market down the road that has 2 bottles (1 Liter) for $ 2.22. I used my Coca-Cola reward points and obtained a Coca-Cola lunch bag and I just ordered a 12 pack cooler, which I will bring to work. I am saving money by doing this course of action, but the course of action was initiated by the price of Coke going up 25 percent.

So, I am sticking it to the man

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

On the Eve of Summer

Greetings Readers

This week has been a bit unusual since we have had high humidity and a lot of ozone alerts in the Denver area. Both are pretty unusual events to be happening, that I am aware of.

Yet, when I got up this morning at 4:20 I was enjoying the one chirping bird that was whistling away in the distance. As if saying to the others - I am the first to chirp this morning. So, there I laid in bed listening to that one bird. The tune changed about three times. Soon others birds were joining the lone early morning chirper.

Then, at 5:30 the rain started to fall. Wow. I got two exciting sounds this morning. Birds chirping and then the sound of falling rain hitting the pavement. I was just enjoying the morning. Especially this morning. I was not expecting rain this morning, but then I was not even paying attention to the weather at all. Though my biggest concern was how long the rain was going to last and whether or not that meant that I had to fix the flat front tire on my winter / rain bike or is there a slim chance that I could a nice riding bike - Andrea.

And that was the morning. Pictured is the Colorado Lottery scratch ticket game that I have been playing for about three weeks. Well, not necessarily playing, but buying when I remember. I hate to say this, but I am buying the Colorado Lottery tickets since they have Indiana Jones on them. As of this week I have finally broke even on my spending on this scratch game. The Indiana Jones scratch tickets cost two bones to play as opposed to the one bone tickets I usually buy when I feel like spending/throwing money away.

Yet, these are Indiana Jones Lottery Tickets. Go figure. And yes, I am going to take my winnings and buy more Indiana Jones Colorado lottery tickets.

Here we are at - the last day of Spring and the First day of Summer is tomorrow. That also means that tomorrow is the longest day of the year and now we start losing daylight and the next thing you know it will be winter once more and Dec will bring the shortest day of the year.

This week also brings the start of the heat which does coincides with the first day of Summer. We, Denver, are expected to hit the 90's at the end of the week and the rain showers that do come at the end of the day are expected to hit the Eastern plains of Colorado. I guess I am all for that.

No bike rims, yet.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete.

The Australian Open 2008 - Day 5

Greetings Readers

Man oh man. I "conked out" early this morning while watching the start of the Roddick vs. Philipp Kohlschreiber (Pictured on today's post), but awoke in the third set. Wow. Two hours of sleep in the past 48 hours - the sand man showed up while I was on the couch.

I woke up to some pretty entertaining play of tennis. I am not going to say it was great, but the ambiance of the crowd, this Philipp guy I know nothing about, and of course Roddick, which you faithful readers know my opinion of.

Then, the match really began. There was Roddick talking loudly to the chair Umpire something like "Did you not here that?! Do you want to me to send you an email or a fax?!" Then, more was said by Roddick, but I did not listen. I was smiling.

The Fourth set came and went and that brought the fifth set and I had to go to work. I left the house about 7:30 AM (MST Zone), which is 1:30AM (18 hours ahead of MST) for Australia. Urgh. I tried to get to work as quickly as possible and then I came in at the last game in the set. Oh yeah. Roddick got his walking papers, as well as Jimmy Connors.

This was not a fantastic game, but the way the game was going on it was a pleasure to watch. This Philipp gut - I know not. He has made my Friday. I can not say "stoic" from Philipp, but I would say "remarkable" play. He gave Roddick the "boot" from the Australian Open and that's all I wanted from anyone to do to Roddick and Connors.

Unfortunately, Nadal and Sharapova (yet Maria is showing better play than last year) advanced

But - Youzhny, Gasquet, Davydenko, Jankovic, Vaidisova, Dementieva and Henin - advanced - Woo Hoo!

Mauresmo (too bad) - Eliminated.

Once again a Heat Wave! Woo Hoo! Englewood, CO is up to 24 degrees! I can not believe it?! I went out this morning and I was not cold. I was warm. I actually did not have to put on gloves or a stocking cap.

The past few days were very, very cold. Ice box cold. You know that beer from New Belgium Ale - 2 Below, well I grabbed some bottles from the refrigerator and put outside on my balcony. In 15 minutes when I opened the bottle it literally got icy inside the bottle. Yummy and cold.

I had to walk home last night so let me tell you readers on how cold it was. I was cold and getting colder as I walked. I looked at a couple of bank electronic signs (you know the ones that tell you the time and temp) well I saw 7 degrees on one then on another I saw 9 degrees. I was feeling that cold.

At least I was still able to think. I decided - fuck dinner - I am going to have Kung Pao from the restaurant that is sort of located near the place I reside. I decided on Kung Pao Combination (Desired) - to go. A few minutes later I got my dinner. Oh, the reason why was I decided to get Kung Pao was that word just entered my mind - Kung Pao. But the second reason, I wanted to put that Kung Pao order inside my coat. Damn straight I was going to use the warmth of my dinner to get and keep me warm on the rest of the way home.

Oh yes. I was warm. And the warm feeling spread out the entire area of my chest. Then, as a bonus I started to smell the aroma of my Kung Pao Dinner wafting up from my collar area. Wow. I was warm and smelling my delicious Kung Pao Dinner. The entire walk home I was not cold nor did I even think about how cold it was. I was warm. I had a dinner to look forward to. I had the Australian Open to watch. I had another 2 below beer waiting for me when I got home. Priceless.

I think what I did is funny, but also I could see myself standing on a street grate trying to get warm too. You know readers - like those homeless people do. Perhaps the homeless know what I just found out, should they have money to do what I did. I do not know.

I thought to take a break from the topic of cycling today.

P.S. Readers - I bought another Ipod (Gray) from the work classifieds and it is an Ipod Shuffle. Brand new, never open. I just wanted it. Pretty sad - 4 Ipods in less than a year. I got a bargain - $ 60.00 dollars. I think I will use this for running. Name Brand Wh-re, I am.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Another Update from Grants, NM

Greetings Readers

So, I am typing this update from the Grants Library in New Mexico. I finally have a bit of time to make a quick entry before I/we have to make several stops in Grants - Such as Walmart, the Milan Store, something to eat and then something for later this weekend.

There has been alot that has been going on in the past week and I have several entries that are on my lap top, but I did not transfer the files to my zip drive.

There have been many things going on, but then again nothing really to tell you about that my entrall you readers.

Yet, the most important thing that I am going to say is that the weather is wonderful. There is the hint of cold in the air, but nothing like Colorado - that I see on the news.

I see that the temperature is a lot lower there than here. And for that I am grateful. Yet the trade off is that I am in the middle of nowhere and can not really enjoy anything besides working on the ranch.

Well.... I got to get going...

Update 11/19/07 - This is panorama shot that I put together with the Digital camera that I now own. The expsoure of the pictures gets darker as I near the setting sun so I had to manually adjust two of the pictures, hence that is why you can see the individual pictures and the sky color does not match. Oh well, this is what I can show you readers looking south of the Ranch in New Mexico at Sunset.

Until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

A Sultry Character Arrives in August

Greetings Readers

Babies do not sleep as good as I did like I did last night. (Let me watch Fight Club to quote correctly) I got caught up on my sleep from the vacation. So, having done that I can now get motivated to get caught up to speed with the Internet. Not that I have a following, but never-the-less.

Guess who I saw in the Sunday Paper? Specifically the Comics section. I got to open my Sunday paper last night and yes I was right. Lola Granola! There she is - not that I really remember how she left Bloom County. I think that the last time that I saw Lola was she had second thoughts about marrying Opus and her thinking "He looks like a toadstool" or something to that nature. And that was all I remember - granted there was the wrap up towards the end of Bloom County so perhaps I missed where Lola went off to.

Yes, I am excited to see Lola Granola back, but she is really not a true character of Bloom County. Only when Opus and her fell in love, meeting the parents, bachelor(ette) parties, the vision of the future (2008, if I remember correctly), and that is all I can recall. I guess I am going to have to pull out my Bloom County books and research. Hah hah.

Readers - If you are not familiar with Bloom County. Lola was a love interest of Opus, they got engaged and were to marry when Opus "had an accident" and had a vision of the future with Lola. After the vision Lola and Opus came to the opinion that they should not get married. Lola, in the comic world, is a hottie, perhaps not worthy of Opus (then again who is for Opus) and yes I remember thinking Lola was a pretty "hot" comic character back in the 80's. Then again, what other comic had a "Sultry" character as Lola. =) And not to mention those sizzling outfits.

I went to Breathed's website and I see that his Sunday Comic will not be printed (carried) in a lot of the Sunday papers beginning 08/26/07 and ending 09/02/07. I think it is due to the subject matter of the script. There was a preview (one pane) and well I think I can see why, but then again.

I think Berkeley Breathed has finally re-established himself with Opus and now is fulfilling us faithful readers by bringing back "our characters" we have come to know by Mr Breathed. Breathed has subject matter to work with these days and really only has only comic a week to worry about as opposed to do doing a full week.

In closing, it is good to see another "old friend" from Bloom County in the Sunday Paper. Not pivotal for me, but never-the-less good to see her back.

The heat wave continues - another record to be broken today. I think that the news (Fox News) said the record for today is 97 degrees and we most likely will break that record.

Update 6:37 PM: I went to see my Chik-Fil-A "Amigo" and got my Gallon of Sweet Tea. Tis been a week or so since my last visit. I saw Rafael this time around and he was busy. Sort of unusual for him to be busy this part of the night. At lunch, I also read that the Dallas Cowboys beat the Denver Broncos. Woo Hoo. Go Dallas. Of course this is pre-season. But I just want to "Woo Hoo!" every time the Broncos lose. Woo Hoo! See how much fun that was for me. The Moonlight Classic happened this past weekend and unfortunately I was out of state and I could not attend. You know what that means - no more fucking training - to a T. No more strict diet. No more schedules. I am retired (or as my co-workers / friends would say to me - "You are not retired Mr.C") Anyway, you know what that deserves ?! Another Woo Hoo! I got on the bike after a four day break and was okay. While I was on vacation I saw my Motobecane. The pride and joy of my bike collection. Old school, as myself. The Space Shuttle Endeavor is suppose to come back to Earth on Wednesday. A bit early due to a Hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico. I hope the best for the Shuttle and the crew. The US Open - in 6 days! 6 DAYS BABY! I realize this is a mish mash of information and a lot of labels. Most or all may be worthless, but thought to mention just in case someone out there in the Internet world is tracking the world through my eyes. Yeah right. I can dream and will continue so...

Until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

99 degrees in Denver

Greetings readers

Denver was 1 degree away from the magic number of 100 degrees yesterday.

You know readers I have nothing to really talk about. I am still working on my Greenwood Goosechase story.

I realize I have some open ended stories. I guess I am starting to follow in the footsteps of the Soprano's. Of course, this was subsciously done on my part. I did not do this on purpose. Anyway, I guess I need to return to the story of Oscar's Smokehouse and "the fucked up dairy cow" that I still see outside their restaurant when I bike by there every other day. Though, I am going to have to revisit my first part of the story to see were I left off, but I do not think that there is much to say after that.

A few more withdraws from Wimbledon (from AP) - Mario Ancic withdrew from Wimbledon on Thursday because of a continuing illness, and Li Na pulled out with a rib injury. Anastasia Myskina, the 2004 French Open champion, previously had withdrawn, along with Vera Zvonareva, Zheng Jie and Romina Oprandi. On the men's side, Gaston Gaudio, Xavier Malisse, Jurgen Melzer, Paradorn Srichaphan and Jose Acasuso have withdrawn.

"Yeah! I saw that. I did it" - Detective John McClane. I have to admit I am getting excited to see "him" in action once more. Live free or Die Hard

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

2007 Summer Solstice - 4:06 PM MST

Greetings Readers

I caved in last night and bought a medium Pan Pizza - Meat Lover's Pizza. Damn, that was good and I enjoyed every bite I took. Gluttony and yes I felt like that after a few slices.

Last night the heat could be felt in my humble abode. Nope. I still did not turn on the AC. Yes, I could have, but I am being "hard headed" and will only when it gets too hot. I woke up sort or sweaty, sticky, but not too bad. I had the portable fan blowing in air from outside so it made the night nice. Although this morning the air was cool and I so wanted to stay in bed and actually close my eyes for another hour. Alas, I have to go to work.

I bought another Tiesto album last night from Best Buy. I was able to locate the album "Just Be". I finally have the song that I wanted which is "Just Be" Otherwise, most of the other songs are available on the other CD's that I bought recently. And I still have five more coming from Amazon.com in three shipments. I really have gotten into Tiesto.

So, me & LaMont when over to Samurai Sam's in Lonetree, CO (9231 West Lincoln). and had ourselves a nice lunch, courtesy of me. Lunch was good.

Getting to the point of the story. So, I got the rest of my "big" meal to go since I did not finish. While eating I had put on some salt and pepper from those small packets and yes I made a mess. I threw my empty packets off to the side of my bowl. Meanwhile, I bagged my lunch with some napkins and plastic fork. Then, LaMont says "aren't you gonna clean up your empty salt/pepper packets?" Not even blinking,"I said why should I there those people behind the counter who are here to do this. They are here getting paid for doing their job. I do not come into this place to eat and clean up after myself. etc...."

As I was getting on this "rant" er "point" LaMont's stern face slowly turned into smile and laugh. I immediately stopped talking and looked at him and got what he was doing. He asked that question because he knew that I would go off, so to speak. Yes, he got his laugh at my expense. Yes, I did also and did not realize that was intention.

Granted, I do not have that reasoning I just wrote, but most of the time I do. I know that we, as a society, view/treat fast food place differently from Restaurants. We tip at restaurants, but not at fast food places. We order like we are Kings/Queens of the manor at fast food joints while at restaurants we sort of order like squires. This is being general, of course. There are people like me who feel like kings everywhere they go. Not because I can, but damn people I want my order the way I want it. Not the way the menu, board says. If I want Fries instead of Onion rings - Then I want fries. More importantly - if I say "I want only mustard, lettuce, pickles on my hamburger, and that's it." That means that's it. Do not ask if I want cheese. I said "that's it" and that means "that's it" You can ask me over and over and I will be silent as a mute. Unless I am feeling pretty frisky and then I will ask you question "What did I just say?"

Of course after that I have to stand in view of my hamburger so no one will spit or do something else to get revenge on me.

Well, I better not get into this subject now, but I will return to this later.

Until the next time readers.

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Start of a Minor "Heat Wave"

Greetings Readers

Sorry, have been catching up on my sleep and rest. Was a pretty busy weekend of riding and also I have been busy doing some personal stuff, which I will not bore with you readers.

I worked out today at the Gym (24 hours) courtesy of... "Bobby Rae" Yeah, that's her name. I really enjoyed the workout and not to mention the post work out meal - The Planet Sub. I actually liked the Sub.

I did a total workout and I might have worked more that I should of, but it was the first time that I have gone to a gym, in a while, and I wanted to take care of some serious workout on the machines that I have available.

We, meaning Denver, CO is on the verge of a "heat wave" that might last for the next four days or so. When I mean heat wave - I mean about 90's. Nothing like the Texas "Heat waves", but it will be hot, without the humidity.

Cycling sucked yesterday evening. I was sort in a good mood since I was able to leave work at a decent time. So, I was about 75 to 100 yards from work when I ran over a rock or some debris. When guess what readers, not one flat, but two flats. I was not mad. I mean how could I get mad over something like this. I immediately pulled over and started to get to work on fixing the flats. No big deal. Got done in about 15 minutes. Then about 30 minutes later, the back tire did not take to being repaired. Granted, I was going about 25 miles per hour and I was taking a left turn when all of a sudden I felt the tire go flat.

Then, that was when the cussing started in the community that I was near. I did not see anyone within sight of me and my flat, but there were some backyards and if anyone was in the back you bet sure as shit - they heard - "Son of a Bitch, Motherfucker, God Damn, Shit!" being yelled by me. Why? Well, the tires were fixed, I had dinner that I picked up at the BBQ place called "Bono's" and I had a rack of rib and some french fries. And you know readers when fries get cold they are no good. So that was the reason I was pissed. I needed to get home ASAP so my fries are still edible.

Long story short, I semi-fixed the flat, but I had to stop three times to refill the tire and towards the last 50 yards of reaching home or so I rode on the flat tire. Yes, there was some damage to the tire itself, but my ribs, baby back ribs, were more important than my $ 50.00 dollar tire. Go figure my train of thinking on that issue.

Tonight, is the last episode of the Deadliest Catch - Season 3.

I guess one more thing - I do not think that I mentioned this to you readers, but this is the new license plate (pictured on my blog) that most likely will be issued for next year - they new 2000 signees before production happens. My thoughts - It is ok, but I would not get the plate. I agree "share the road"... but that is like saying "remember Columbine"

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Heat wave in Denver, Colorado - Woo hoo!

Greetings People

Well, I guess the Sunday Sales for DVD disc are pretty popular in the Greenwood Village area. I went to Office Depot and Office Max and both did not have SONY DVD R-/R+ So I had to buy Maxell R+. Now, I will get to try the R+ disc and see if there is difference to the formats that I would notice.

Can you believe that we are in the midst of a "heat wave"! We actually have broken the 50 degree mark and I hear that tomorrow is going to be the same. I am exciting since I am planning to take the mountain bike out and see if I am going to be able to ride to work tomorrow morning. The sidewalks in the sunny part of the day have begun to melt and you can actually see the concrete.

My mood has changed in the past week and I am not sure why, but it is for the best.

I actually do not have anything else to write about.

Valentine's Day is approaching and you do not even have to guess, I do not have to worry about this event this year once more. Whew. Well, would be nice to get a little something-something, but a little something-something not a Valentine's Day is okay with me. No pressure nor event that I have to mark on my calendar as an anniversary. And the other thing is that I have not pursued anyone in order to send a valentine. Sure, there have been some maybe's but nothing I would care to mark the special day with.

Thinking about this, I think the last Valentine, non valentine, gift I sent someone was about 4 years ago. An arrangement of flowers I sent to a girl I like in the beginning, but then backed off when I found out there was guy and also subconsciously I make it a rule not to get involve with someone I work with. It was not just because of Valentine's day, but I had left the company the month before without so much as a good-bye. Yet, a good-bye was not really warranted since we hardly dealt and talked with each at all. So, the flowers, not roses, were sent with a card saying sorry for not saying goodbye and nothing much else. Definitely, no "I love you" or "Will you be mine" sayings. What? Was I trying to win her heart? Nope. I have no regrets sending and I knew of the situation at that time.

You know readers, after reading that paragraph it sounds fragmented, but what else is there to say. Life does move one. No, I have not from her since I left the company. I sent an email on her birthday, but did not get a response. No big deal, since I made the effort and then I am not going to worry about responding why she was not responding to my first email. That my friends, is what you might call "oh yeah he still likes her" Nope, when I usually leave a company sometimes I send a email to former co-workers to ask what is going on or long time no see. What? Okay, okay let me think if there is someone I might want to send a Valentine to. I do not think so, but I will think about it tonight.

Anyway, enough on that subject and I think it is time for me to close up this blog and get back to work.


until the next time.

Daryl Charley
The fallen Athlete