MAKE A WISH... AND BLOW!

Remember these? 
 
While doing some yard work recently, I noticed this lone standing dandelion and it actually stopped me in my tracks.  I stood there and looked down at it and wondered... just where did you really come from?

When I was a kid, these fuzzy white dandelions were a resource for many of my childhood wishes. Besides blowing out my birthday candles, I could blow on a dandelion and know, as the hundreds of tiny white parachutes floated away across the yard, my wishes would come true. It was just a matter of time.  Little did I know I was contributing to the migration and inundation of... weeds!!

If anyone has tried to rid their yard of dandelions, I'm sure you'll agree that it's more fun to think of these pesky plants as wish makers.  I looked down at this little guy, trying to decide if I was going to do it or not.  I know I'm grown, but some things you just don't outgrow.  I looked around to see where Harley was.  He must've taken a wheel barrel load out to the street, because he wasn't anywhere around.  I looked down at it again... and pondered.  With a quick movement of determination, I swooped down,  plucked that bad boy up, closed my eyes and blew...

The wishes of my childhood differ greatly from the wishes I wished for that day.  Gone are the pleas for new puppies and cute kittens, a Ken for my Barbie, or even a school year full of snow days.

My wishes today would be of sunny skies and warm temperatures, no traffic and good restaurants.

Bridges over rivers...


Long and winding roads...


... and my soul mate to share it with.
 
It's funny how we change.  What about you? 

What do you wish for?  phfooooooooooooooo...

Have a great week everybody!

Lady R

LOVE ME SOME HERMAN!

Summer brings sun... and that leads to suntans.  Help s-p-r-e-a-d the love and do someone's back for them. It's such a nice gesture... don't ya think?

Have a great weekend and... use that sunscreen!

Ride on...
Lady R

THUNDER AND RAIN AND... THE HALLMARK CHANNEL

I went to Panama City Beach  for Thunder Rain... I mean the Thunder Beach Spring Bike Rally last weekend, and in spite of the weather conditions (cold and rainy), I had a really great time.  But, any time spent with good friends is usually a great time to me.  Besides, it's not like it rained the whole weekend... just 50 % of it (rolling her eyes and laughing... laughing like a hyena... laughing at her own sense of demented humor) .

It wasn't all that bad. Harley went down the day before, but I had to work, so I took off about 9:00 Friday morning to join up with him and our friends. I had a really nice ride down, complimented by the continuous aroma of honeysuckle (my favorite Spring fragrance) and didn't get into any rain until I got near the beach.  Apparently, it had been raining there since Thursday and it didn't look like it was going to stop any time soon.  Everything and everyone, from the Sand Piper to Patches was hunkered down and fighting boredom while they waited out the weather.

The house we stayed at had a nice big covered porch, so we could all be outside without getting wet. That kept the cabin fever down to a minimum, but even in spite of our laughter and story telling, it was still a bummer to be sitting... and not riding.

Lady R... holding her front porch position.

Eventually my group, as big and scary as they are, (picture Phil and Si Robertson... with beers) turned to the Hallmark Channel.  Yep.  You read that right folks... Hallmark. I kind of wondered about this because earlier in the day, we had watched "Case #39" with Renee Zelleweger, and if any of you have seen that movie, you know it's a big flip from the kinds of movies you'll find on... the Hallmark Channel.

They tried to blame it on me and said they were just being nice.  Hmmmmm... that was their story and they were sticking to it!  They just figured I'd want to watch a chick flick, so... we just turned it into a contest to see who would let the others see them cry first. We pinky swore that the results would go with us to our graves (wink).

Saturday afternoon, around 1:00 the sun finally broke through and started drying up the beach.  One motor turned into two... then five.  Before you knew it, the streets came to life with the sounds of motorcycles of all kinds.Yeah! Thunder Beach!

It only took a couple hours to figure out everybody else was just as happy to get out and about, because every street that went anywhere near the rally venues, became slow moving parking lots. Good grief!  It was insane! Luckily, my local pals knew how to navigate us around some of the madness, but it was still such a cluster f#*%, if you know what I mean.

In spite of it all, we had a safe and fun weekend and got to see several of our friends.  Our ride home Sunday was a pretty one, so I guess you can say it makes up for some of the sittin'.  And even though Panama City and Panama City Beach is like a second home for us, it's always good to pull into the garage and realize you are blessed...  Home sweet home.

Being extra tired after weekend like this, Harley and I settled in our chairs and figured a nap was just around the corner.  He picked up the remote and asked what I wanted to watch.  I thought for a minute and a slow smile of remembrance appeared on my lips as I asked... What's on the Hallmark Channel?

Have a great week everybody!

Lady R

GETTIN' READY FOR A REDNECK SUMMER

Summer is right around the corner and it's time to get your outdoor cooking gear in order.  I love eating food that's been cooked outside.

Ya know...?

There's nothin' better on a hot summer day, than an ice cold beer and a tasty steak, hot off the grill. 

REDNECK COOLER


REDNECK HIBACHI


REDNECK GRILL

Okay then!  Let's eat!

Have a great weekend everybody!

Lady R

MON-DAY-DREAM

I'm sorry I didn't post my Friday Funny... nor did I get a decent post prepared for this morning either. I've had a very busy weekend.  Rewarding... but busy.

I know some of you are still waiting for the weather to cooperate in your area and well... I just thought I'd share one of my favorite pics to help you with your Monday daydreams.

After all... isn't that what Mondays are for?

The perfect road... long and empty.

 I know... I'd rather be there right now, too.  I hope you didn't slobber on your monitor too badly.  Just get a paper towel and it will be alright.

Have a nice week everybody!

Lady R

LIKE SPILLED PAINT

I'm really enjoying our Spring riding these days. Every corner you turn, or hill you top, delivers another delightful view of our Southern landscape.  Not to mention the great weather!

Fields of color open up before you like spilled paint on a canvas.  My eyes are constantly shifting from the road to the fields, trying to take it all in. 

 
Borders of yellow and red line the roadways with clover and other wild flowers. 

All in all... I'd say we had a very colorful ride!  Hope you did too!

Have a great week everybody!

Lady R

THE BADGE

A DEA Agent stopped at a ranch in Texas and talked to an old rancher. He told the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs."

The rancher said, "Okay, but don't go into that field over there," as he pointed out the location.

The DEA Agent verbally exploded and said, "Look mister... I have the authority of the federal government with me!"  Reaching into his rear back pocket, the arrogant officer removed his badge and proudly displayed it to the rancher.

"See this badge?! This badge means I can go wherever I want... on any land! No questions asked, no answers given! Do you understand old man?!"

The rancher kindly nodded, apologized, and went about his chores. Moments later the rancher heard loud screams.  He looked up and saw the DEA agent running for his life, being chased by the rancher's big Santa Gertrudis Bull. With every step the bull was gaining ground on the officer, and it was likely that he'd sure enough get gored before he reached safety. The officer was clearly terrified.

The old rancher threw down his tools, ran as fast as he could to the fence and yelled at the top of his lungs......

"YOUR BADGE! SHOW HIM YOUR BADGE!"

  

Have a great weekend everybody!

Lady R

COMPETITION - COOL PLACES TO PARK A MOTORCYCLE

I realize that I'm a little late on joining this competition, but the deadline isn't until Monday... so here goes.

Gary over at Flies in your teeth started this and has asked fellow riders to post a picture of their motorcycle parked in a really cool place. While looking through my stash to see which pic I would use, I decided I liked this one with the Ol' Girl.

The Ol' Girl in front of Teasley's Mill on Hwy 231, Montgomery County

This was during the Fall, a couple years ago. Auburn was playing a game that day as I was flying my fan flag.

I'm really enjoy the "Boy" now, but I'd be lying if I told you I didn't really miss my Ol' Girl.  She and I rode through a lot of stuff together, but I still think of her often and hope she's doing well under her new master.

I would also like to take this time to plug Gary's awesome new book, "France In America".  Here's his video about it...

I'm very blessed to have received one of these amazing books and I want to encourage you all to seek one out for yourself.  I enjoyed following Gary on his adventure while he was here in the states, and it's extra cool to look at the book and relive his journey with him again.

Hope you have a nice weekend... get out and ride!

Lady R

NAME THAT PLANT

Being on one of our favorite riding roads, Harley and I often stop at this little bridge to stretch our legs.  It's a nice quiet highway and I love to stand still for a moment and listen to the water, the birds, an occasional bee buzzing past.

County Road 4

For some reason, I'm drawn to water and love how it relaxes me.

Chubbahatchee Creek

 This past Saturday we stopped here, and when I walked across the road to look over the edge of the bridge embankment, I saw this really big weird looking plant.
 
It kind of looks like a giant Violet or Aloe.  I tried to zoom in on it and I don't think it's aloe... the leaves don't look plump enough for that.

I pose this question to my readers out there. 

Can you name that plant?

???

I hope you all had a great weekend!  After logging in 325 miles on Friday and another 200 for Saturday... I'd say my weekend was absolutely awesome!

Have a great week everybody!

Lady R

SOUTHERN GRANDMA

Lawyers should never ask a Southern grandma a question... if they aren't prepared for the answer.

In a trial, a Southern small-town prosecuting attorney called his first witness, a grandmotherly, elderly woman to the stand.  He approached her and asked, "Mrs. Jones, do you know me?" 

She responded, "Why, yes.  I do know you, Mr. Williams.  I've known you since you were a boy, and frankly, you've been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, and you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you're a big shot when you haven't the brains to realize you'll never amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher.  Yes, I know you."  The lawyer was stunned. 

Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, "Mrs. Jones, do you know the defense attorney?"

She again replied, "Why yes, I do. I've known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too.  He's lazy, bigoted, and he has a drinking problem.  He can't build a normal relationship with anyone, and his law practice is one of the worst in the entire state.  Not to mention he cheated on his wife with three different women.  One of them was your wife. Yes, I know him."

The defense attorney nearly died!

The judge asked both counselors to approach the bench and, in a very quiet voice, said, "If either of you idiots asks her if she knows me, I'll send you both to the electric chair."

Have a great weekend everybody!

Lady R

SPRING RIDING

Hey folks! I think I'm going to fire up the ol' blog again. It's been a nice riding season already (and it's only April!) and I'd feel selfish if I didn't share it with all of you.

I'll be honest, life's been good, and I wish I could spin out some really fascinating tale of kidnappings and top secret espionage but... that's not gonna happen. Sorry. The truth is, I didn't realize just how bad this blog was going to suffer when I set some New Year's resolutions way back in January. Geesh!

None the less, I'm back and I hope to rekindle your interest in my drivel.  There have been several birdies in my ear letting me know that I've been missed, so with that being said, let's go!

Scenic ride through Horseshoe Bend

 I've been enjoying the Boy while logging the miles... one breathless landscape at a time.  That's one thing that has not stopped!  In fact, this past Saturday, somewhere along the Talledega Scenic Highway, Harley and I noticed this busy little bee during one of our rest stops.

Buzzzzzz...

 He was big!

We saw several other riders out and about, so it was a very wavy day.

Fellow riders on Mt. Cheaha

We logged about 280 miles on the bikes while riding on Mt. Cheaha Saturday.  With the temps lingering in the low 70's by lunch time, it was a wonderful way to spend my day... taking notice of the beautiful playground my Creator made for me. 

Beautiful Cherry Tree near Logan Martin Lake

The Boy

 Life is Good!

Have a great week everybody!

Lady R

HELLO... ???

Hello???  ... silence....

Helloooo???

I think she's breathing... let's check her pulse.


We have a pulse... she's alive!

What now?

Don't know... let's wait and see.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The first day of the new year is coming to an end. I have a few resolutions I need to pursue and I can only hope that I stick to my plans.

In the meantime...

Lake Martin at sunset.

I say goodbye to 2012...  May you rest in peace.

Lady R