TALLADEGA SCENIC HIGHWAY ON MT. CHEAHA ~ ALABAMA ~ photo taken by Dianna Stover
All material posted here is the original property of Lady R, author of this blog, unless linked from another source or otherwise noted. All material and photos not to be reprinted without permission.

Monday, June 29, 2009

PIC OF THE WEEK

We took off on the Glides again Saturday, in spite of the exhausting heat, and rode up to Sylacauga to see the MIL and take her out to lunch. As we clicked off the miles, I noticed how nice our highways looked, sprinkled with all the different wild flowers.

ROADSIDE JEWELERY
I guess after the ridiculous ribbing I gave Mother Nature last week, for one of her more freakish displays of nature, I decided I'd better give her kudos this week... for giving my peeps a little roadside jewelery. Thanks Ma!

Have a nice week everyone!

Lady R

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

PRODUCT REVIEW - HARLEY DAVIDSON FXRG TEXTILE JACKET

Harley Davidson has recently released the next generation of products in the FXRG MotorClothes line. I was fortunate enough to be asked to participate in a product review, and I chose the woman's FXRG Textile Jacket. Let me begin by saying... I am VERY impressed! I received the jacket, back in the beginning of May, which allowed me the opportunity to wear it on numerous occasions before the sizzling summer heat set in.

When it arrived, I took it out of the box and started looking it over, and my initial impression was very favorable! It felt extremely lightweight while at the same time, sturdy and durable. I kept finding little surprises that made the jacket even more appealing than I had first realized.

The inside pocket system has all the usual compartments for your iPods, cell phones and glasses, but it also has an attached lens wiping cloth, which is very important to someone like me. I'm constantly cleaning my glasses and sometimes I forget to have one of these handy cloths with me. But with it attached to the jacket, I won't have to worry about scratching my glasses on my t-shirts and such.

Upon further exploration of this fine garment, I discovered the removable liner was finished in a way that you could wear it alone, as another light jacket. It has it's own set of pockets, nice finished gathered sleeves, and also sports the H-D FXRG logo, so your liner doesn't look like a liner. It's like getting two jackets in one! The only thing that may give it away are the 10 little elastic loops that help hold your liner in place when nestled inside the Textile jacket. But those 10 little loops are also another reason why the quality of this jacket is quite superior.

Most other jacket liners attach with a zipper and have one loop at the end of each sleeve and one or two across the back area. This liner is secured with a zipper, and 10 strategically located loops and snaps to keep the liner as one with the jacket, eliminating any gathering or pulling of liner material that tends to occur in other less detailed designs. This feels very comfortable.

The material that's lining the small stand up collars of both, liner and jacket, feels like a soft suede, thus making the jacket feel very comfortable against your skin. Mmmm, this appeals to the girly side of me. LOL!

The multiple zipper system eliminates any seeping in of cold air or rain, which I think is an excellent feature. The liner obviously has it's own zipper to close off from cold, but the jacket also has a second inner zipper with a nylon flap to help with wind penetration. So far, it's not been cold enough, so I've worn the jacket without the liner. I closed the inner zipper once, when it was a bit more chilly, and left it unzipped as the temps warmed up and I wanted to stay cooler. With all the zippers this jacket has, you could have a variety of air flow or warmth protection. I guess it would be safe to say... the temperatures would dictate the zipperage. LOL!

When I put the jacket on, my hubby noticed instantly that it seemed less bulky on me than my other riding jacket. Even though there's a lot more substance to this garment than my other one, it just looked like a better fit. The body armor located in the back area, kidney belt and elbows, gave me the sense that I had the protection, but without feeling like I was wearing a set of football pads. It is very comfortable, and the curvature of the sleeves are more natural feeling and less binding.

Adjustable snaps at the waist of the garment allows the wearer to customize the fit. The jacket allows plenty of room in my hip area while allowing me to cinch up the waist a bit to tighten the garment around me. These adjustable snaps would allow women to make the jacket more form fitting for their individual shape and size. Thanks for keeping us "healthier" girls in mind on this one, H-D!

I rode to work several times when the temp would be around 65 degrees in the AM, but climbed up to 72 or 75 degrees by lunch. This jacket was perfect for the chilly morning, while at the same time, it was not too hot in the afternoon when it warmed up. On one Saturday ride, even though we were experiencing a nice 72 degree day, I was pleasantly surprised that I did not get too hot in this jacket. 75 degrees would probably be my limit though. It gets too hot for even the "coolest" of jackets around here when the true summer temps move in on us.

I really, really like this jacket. I can keep on and on about the different reasons why, but the bottom line is... this H-D FXRG Textile Jacket is of superior quality and is most definitely worth the dollar. It might take you a little while to save up for it, as it comes with a pretty price tag. A $500 dollar one to be exact, but If your looking for a good quality jacket that will last, this one is worth considering. They warranty this garment for 5 years, and unless you pack on the pounds and outgrow your clothes, you wouldn't ever have to buy another one.

Some of you may think the hot summer sun has sizzled my brain (and it may have!). I still love to bargain shop, and I will remain responsible with my spending, but my MIL taught me some valuable shopping advice over the years. Her philosophy was... "if you'll spend a little more money for a quality product, your saving in the fact that, your having to buy it fewer times." There's so much truth to that. Besides, look how good it looks!

It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas. Maybe a little elf near you could drop Santa the hint. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Lady R

Monday, June 22, 2009

PIC OF THE WEEK

Harley and I spent Father's Day riding the Glides up around Lake Martin and found ourselves at the Horseshoe Bend Military Park in Dadeville. I've posted about this being one of my favorite places and I refer to it as my own personal "Tara".

A KITTYWOMPASS ALABAMA "TAINT" TREE
We were stretching our legs along the river, under some shade, and we noticed this odd tree. We made jokes about what we thought it looked liked, and we came up with a fact that we never realized... that even trees have "taints".

I'll even give you a two-fer again today, cause this tree had a bonus hole. Check it out.
This was the view from the other side. LOL!

(Author's note: For those of you not familiar with our Southern terminology; kittywompass means... slightly misaligned)

Hope you all had a nice Father's Day and here's to a great week. Happy Monday everybody!

Lady R

Sunday, June 21, 2009

DAD... YOU DA MAN!!

Just a little something for my Dad.

Dad,
... for all the sacrifices you made for us over the years (and there were many) to make sure we had food, clothes and shelter... you da man!

... for setting an example for us to follow, of discipline, honor, and and respect for others... you da man!

... for letting us see and know, that you loved our Mom... you da man!

... for all the camping weekends we spent together as a family growing up... you da man!

... for all the Easy Bake oven goodies you ate with enthusiasm, (in spite of how nasty they were)... you da man!

... for all the Father Daughter date nights you never missed... you da man!

... for getting up and out at 3:00 in the morning to pull me out of a snowy ditch, and not raise hell... you da man!

... for teaching me about money. How to earn, how to save, and how to spend... you da man!

... for making sure I was ready for the outside world, away from your protective cloak... you da man!

... for accepting, and loving my husband like he was one of your sons... you da man!

... for just being my dad... you da man!

I LOVE YOU!!

Today my Dad is completing a cross country move, from Montana back to Iowa. He and my mom have been living out west for the last nine years, and they've decided it was time to come back home. I wish I could have been there to help, but my Uncles are with them and they will get the job done.

Meanwhile, here in the sunny south, Harley and I plan to take a nice long ride today. My thoughts will be with my dad... wondering... "is he there yet?"

Happy Fathers Day Dad! I love you and appreciate all you've done for me... you da man!

Lady R

Thursday, June 18, 2009

THANK YOU FOR THE RIDE... I LOVE YOU!!

Dear Diary... a glimpse into the pages of a journal written by a woman rider.

Sunday, June 14, 2009
Dear Diary,

I'm in love... still. H and I just celebrated another year together, making the grand total 29 years now. Some would say that's a long time, but surprisingly enough, it doesn't always seem that way. After this many years, he still puts a smile on my face keeps me laughing. He knows how to make me happy and today especially, he went out of his way to show me.

It's been about two weeks since I've been able to ride my Glide and I was craving some road therapy. After our road trip to Iowa, we turned around two days later and went to Panama City for the weekend . H rode his Street Glide down after work Friday, but since we had to take the pups, I loaded us all up in the Mazda and went down early. I like to get there in the afternoon so I can go and have Happy Hour with my gal pals.

A ride that was planned for that Saturday pizzled out due to various reasons, so I was a little disappointed about that. Our buddy had a Shovel Head all ready for me to borrow, but since the ride didn't pan out, I hung out with my girlfriends, doing lunch and lazying around.

When we got ready to leave and come home Sunday, H came to me and said, "You better go put your boots on." Not understanding what was up, I asked why and he responded, "If your gonna ride my motorcycle home today... you better put your boots on."

Woo Hoo! He didn't have to tell me twice! We loaded everything up and headed for home... him squished up in my little Mazda with two dogs and a bunch of crap, while I glided home on his beautiful blue Street Glide. With the sun in my face and wind on my knees,
I was feeling that old feeling that's been missing the last couple weeks. Finding that feeling on a sweet ride like H's was even better.

I know it was a big deal for H to let me ride his baby. Some would wonder why, but other riders would know. It's a very personal thing. Your motorcycle is not something some can easily share. The fact that he was confident enough in my ability makes me feel very proud, and I love him for showing me that.

I couldn't have asked for a better anniversary present than getting to spend a nice afternoon, rumbling down the highway, rejuvenating the soul.

Thank you for the ride honey... I love you!

Me

Monday, June 15, 2009

PIC OF THE WEEK

PEACEFUL TRANQUILITY
This quiet little pond was on the grounds of the Moundville Archaeological State Park we rode through a few weekends ago. The park was not that big, but still had a camping area and nice picnic grounds for families to have large gatherings. We noticed a Dad and a couple kids fishing and I thought how nice it would be to spend a quiet weekend here sometime. It sure would be a change of pace from some of my more rambunctious camping weekends.

I hope you all had a nice weekend and have an even better week. I have lots to bring you, and hopefully with no plans to leave town again for a few weekends, I'll get some of my drafts posted.

Have a nice Monday everybody!

Lady R

Thursday, June 11, 2009

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER... PIC OF THE WEEK

THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI
Twofer bonus... for being late!
I grew up on this river and never realized just how much I missed it until I came home for a visit. My friends and I would turn into river rats during our summers as we water skied up and down the river hitting our favorite little inlets, and floated around on pontoons, partying from one sand bar to the other. We'd have secret places along the river banks that made great areas for our weekends of camping and of course, cool parties our parents didn't know about.

Coming home to Iowa always brings forth a plethora of memories, but when I stand on this bluff in Eagle Point Park and over look the Mighty Mississippi River, it really feels like I'm home. I had a great visit with my family and I hated to leave them. I'm already feeling a bit homesick and look forward to the day we can return. Thankfully, I have a lot to keep me busy during the next few days, so hopefully, I'll be able to survive my adjustment.

Sorry I missed you on Monday, but 'better late... than never' I always say. I hope to get back into the swing of things real soon. Have a nice rest of the week!

Lady R

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

TRUCKIN' IT TO IOWA

Harley and I leave for Iowa today. Even though I'm extremely disappointed we're not taking the motorcycles, I'm feeling really good about going home and seeing my family. My parents are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary and we (all their kids) are going to go home and throw them a big party!

I hope to get online and drop a quick "Hi from Iowa" post while I'm there. It's a shame I can't just hop on the Glide and go see the Iowa Harley Girl and Fasthair while I'm that close. But then if I did that, I would have to swing over and say hi to that cheese head in Wisconsin (you know who you are!). And while I was at it I could ride a little further north and see Mr. Motorcycle too! But... I guess it's a good thing I wont have my sweet ol' girl there with me. My family obligations will keep me tied up and pretty much close to Dubuque for the four days I'll be there.

I hope you all have a great rest of the week and enjoy your weekend. Get out there and ride, and put a few miles on the road for me too!

See ya'll next week!

Lady R

Monday, June 1, 2009

PIC OF THE WEEK

CRUISIN' ROUND MOUNDVILLE
Harley and I took a nice little ride up to the Moundville Archaeological Park which lies on the banks of the Black Warrior River in Central Alabama. This really cool park is rich with history and includes a Museum, Camping and Picnic areas. It would be a great place to hold reunions and family gatherings and I plan to post a little more about our visit here another time.

While I was climbing a very large and steep set of stairs to get to the top of one of the mounds, Harley took the opportunity to cruise around the park while he waited for me to get through taking pictures. The view was great!

Have a nice Monday everyone!

Lady R