Forgive me cycling gods, for I've have sinned, I haven't commuted to work in almost a week.  In an ironic turn of events, I'm driving 40 miles round trip to work in my 14 mpg 3/4 ton diesel pickup with a cycle commuter tattoo on my shoulder.

At current gas prices of $3.99 per gal of diesel, that's 28.5¢ per mile, $11.40 per day, $57 a week, $245 a month, or $3,000 a year.  That doesn't even include oil changes or maintenance; like a $3,000 fuel injector pump replacement... (yea I guess it's a problem in these Dodge diesels).

Funeral

Thursday was a day off from work to attend a sad event.  Heidi's grandfather passed away earlier that week and we had to drive 2 hours down to Eugene for the 2 pm service.

A few observations.

One.  I liked how they gave everyone a chance to stand up and say something about him.  It was a nice touch.

Two.  I didn't realize how important organizations like Freemasonary or Eagles can be later in life.  Heidi's grandfather was a member of both.  I didn't know you could be a member of multiple organizations.  The Freemasons did a very nice job at the service and 10-20 of them showed up to pay their respects, dropping a pine branch (forgot exactly the name of this item) each and one of their members actually performed the service.  Also, charity work is a big part of what they do and according to many of the fraternity brothers that attended the service, Heidi's grandfather wanted to help as much as he could.

Lastly.  Is cremation the new way to go?  Or is it a west coast thing?  You don't see very many cemeteries out here as compared to back east.  I can remember as a kid going to my grandparents funerals and they were open casket services at the funeral homes with a short drive to the cemetery for a service.  I'm not religious but I was even proud pallbearer from my grandfather.  Just curiosity.

After the service we went to the Eagles hang out.  Big barn-like structure with a meeting room, bar, pool, card tables, video gambling, and plenty of tables for eating.  Reminded me alot of playing pool above my grandpa's garage.

Hives?

We didn't get home until late that night.  When I took my socks off my ankles were itching.  I woke up the next morning and had these strange red itchy blotches on the back of my ankles and on one elbow.

Poison ivy?  Poison oak?  Wasn't like I was mt biking through the woods...

We got a new cat.  She's been driving my sinuses nuts.  My only assumption is that having her sleep at the foot of the bed has caused me to break out in hives..

They itch like mad and now it's Wednesday and they still aren't gone.  Forced me into wearing sandals all week and not riding because having shoes on hurts badly.

Tattoo

Got my ink on Saturday.  Think it turned out good.

Follow that up with a pot of chili and some New Glarus from Wisconsin and it's a good day.

Later