PIC OF THE WEEK... PLUS A COUPLE

Saturday morning we headed north, knowing the fall foliage would be at it's peaking beauty around Mt. Cheaha State Park. Besides being the highest point in Alabama at 2407 feet, it's fun to ride on these twisty, hilly, playful roads... and the change of seasons makes going back a delightful treat!

FALL REFLECTIONS
Smooth lake water shines a reflective image of the colorful trees along these banks.

Harley took several great shots like this one, while riding down the road.
He's really quite good at it and I'll be putting together a slide show of other fantastic shots he got during our chilly Saturday ride.

The breathtaking views at the overlooks were stunning and could keep you staring at the horizon for hours.
Bald Rock on top of Mt. Cheaha State Park.

The weatherman promised a nice fall day with plenty of sunshine and temps in the upper 60's. A great day for riding! When we left the house at 9:30 a.m., it was 53 degrees and overcast! Brrrrrrr!

Have a great Monday everybody!

Lady R

ARE YOU IN THE MOOD??

My friend Darlin' sent me an email yesterday that made me laugh so hard, I just had to share it with ya!

Muwahahahaha! Take the hint boys and thanks for spreading the fun hun!!

I hope you all have a great weekend and it includes some riding time. Our crazy yo-yo weather down here promises to be in the 70's again this weekend, so with or without my layers... I'll be cruisin'!

Happy Friday everyone!!

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK

We found ourselves riding around near Tallassee this weekend and decided to explore around the Tallapoosa River. Tallassee, AL is a very old and historic little community and there's always something interestesting to see.

OLD CONFEDERATE ARMORY - TALLASSEE, AL
Built in 1844, this old building served as a cotton mill before it was turned into an armory during the Civil War and became Tallassee Calvary Carbines. It remains as the only Confederate Armory that was not destroyed during the Civil War.

Looking at it from the other side of the Tallapoosa River while we're on Fitzpatrick Bridge. I think this place would make a great Haunted House! Booooooo!

And just for the record... I finally wore full leathers (head to toe) for the first time this year and enjoyed my ride as the temps lingered in the uppper 50's. I just turned the heater in the house on for the first time too! I think I can safely say the southern heat has vacated... till Spring! Let me enjoy it while it lasts!

Have a great Monday everybody!

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK

Our temperature finally dropped to 65 this weekend and it was a real pleasure riding through the cooler air for a change. We took the Glides for a ride Sunday and found ourselves puttering around Lake Martin when we came across these geese hanging out at the water's edge.


LAKE MARTIN GEESEThey didn't seem to mind our intrusion at all as we walked along near the water. It was kind of cute to see them all standing around on one leg and their heads tucked snuggly under their wings.

This little guy was off to himself, watching everything as though he was standing guard while the others took their naps. Such a good sentry!

Some of you may be off today in honor of Columbus Day, and for those that are... have a good one! I, unfortunately, will go to work today.

Have a nice week!

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK

"MELLOW YELLOW"
"I'm just mad about Saffron.
A-Saffron's mad about me.
I'm-a just mad about Saffron.
She's just mad about me."
"They call me Mellow Yellow,
Quite rightly.
They call me Mellow Yellow,
Quite rightly.
They call me Mellow Yellow."
Harley and I took a short little rest stop at some rail road tracks during our ride Saturday, which gave me the opportunity to capture a shot of these golden beauties that filled my eyes all day and had Donovan singing "Mellow Yellow" in my head!

I know these aren't very spectacular pictures for this weeks "Pic Of The Week" choice, but these brilliant yellow wild flowers where every where and it made me think of that song. The sun was shining bright, while the air was cool and crisp; and after a leisurely 225 mile ride around our Alabama countryside, I was feeling pretty mellowed out myself.

Weekends just don't last long enough... do they?

Have a nice Monday everybody!

Lady R

PAIN

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

Friday
October 2, 2009

Dear Diary,
I can't sleep. It's 4:00 a.m. and my mind won't be still. I toss and turn, trying to recapture that comfortable place of nothingness, but it eludes me. As my journal, I realize you'd rather hear how exciting my last ride was, or what a beautiful day it was while on it, but I can't do that today. Instead, I need you to lift my burden of restlessness.

I can't shake this pain in my heart. A pain that was not brought on by anything I did, or didn't do, but a pain that is there... out of love. I looked up the word in the dictionary. It says it's "an unpleasant sensation caused by the stimulation of certain nerves, esp. as a result of injury or sickness; a distressing emotion."

We've all been there... standing on the sidelines, watching someone you love experience the pain. Whether it be from physical injury or emotional distress, we watch helplessly as they fight through the challenge of not letting the pain overcome there whole being. Praying and hoping that they'll feel our strength, giving them the will to go on and fight, and not give up.

How many times have we wished we could transfer the pain from them to us and why do we feel that way? Is is because we think we are stronger and can handle it better? Do we think it will overcome them, and are frightened of what that result will bring? I'm not sure of the answer to that, but my guess is it's because we don't want our loved one to go through the pain and misery alone. Which makes me realize... pain has no boundaries.

We share the burden of pain with them. We stand by their side, whether their pain is emotional or physical; we stand by them until they realize that nothing is insurmountable with the support and love of family and friends. We stand by their side as they see the light and feel the grip that pain had on them weaken and dissipate. Each new day brings strength and comfort as they make progress.

My restlessness comes from pain. Pain of sharing the grief over lost love, pain of sharing the grief over senseless accidents. Pain of knowing that you cannot control the happiness or safety of those you love.

Pain. Please move on, I don't want to feel you anymore.

Me