Mirlisa's Bits and Pieces

We’ve been attempting to bump up our exercise – at our age it’s important to keep the joints moving. Cycling seems to be a good fit. It’s less jarring on the joints and the scenery can be beautiful. Our “horses” are a couple of mountain bikes fitted with street tires. One bike is about 15 years old and the other 6. Believe it or not, they both ride like the wind.

Lately, when riding the trail we’ve driven (yes, we’re still lightweights) to the halfway point and ridden towards Hawthorne. Today we decided to turn west and ride towards Boulware Springs. It had been a awhile since we’d seen the sites. Started late – didn’t begin riding until after 10:30am. Slept in. Stayed up late watching some good college football. Thankfully, it was mostly overcast and cool during the ride.

A ride on the Hawthorne trail is not complete without a stop to view the gorgeous prairie. Those who ride this trail know the view well. We thought we might have seen some bison out there but couldn’t be sure without binoculars.

This creek reminds me of the Louisiana bayou.

All in all, we had a good ride. We spent the calories burned at Ivey’s with a delicious late breakfast.

Later gators.

Pizza and beer! Is there any better dinner?

Coco and Boxer got together today for a little play-time. Actually, they didn't play as much as they used to – both are older and don't move as quickly as they used to. And it was warm outside.

Nonetheless, it was good for them to spend some time together.

Peace out.

We’re checking in on our neighbor’s dog this weekend. Her name is Coco Brownie. In this picture she is very relaxed. She’d had her breakfast and has taken care of business (1 and 2). Life is good.

Okay, Gator fans, Women’s basketball is back!

The Backcourt Club is gearing up and has published a schedule of events. This is a fun club – we get together with the coaches and players and always have a good time. Won’t you consider joining and attending some games and activities? Go to the Backcourt Club website for more info.

Life has been somewhat uneventful as of late. Mind you, we’re not complaining. It’s busier than we’d like – but there you have it. This week the most exciting event was getting a hitch installed on the truck. We’ve been throwing our bikes in the bed of the truck when heading out to the Hawthorne Trail. So, we finally took the truck to Uhaul and had a hitch put on. Now we can use our bike rack and keep the bikes safer and less likely to get messed up.

October is just around the corner and preparing for Halloween is paramount. This year we’ve order some items from Oriental Trading – nope, can’t divulge what they are – that would spoil the special night. So, lest you be worried, Halloween planning is in full force.

Oh, the Gators play Tennesse this week. Saturday will be a crazy day. Go Gators!

We were fortunate to be offered tickets to this week’s game. The first half was full of scoring and steady rain. Not to worry – we brought our slickers.

It’s the second half with the second teams on the field. Looks like another win for the Gators.
Next week – can’t wait!

If you’ve ever text messaged while driving…or even thought about it…attempted a phone call…or whatever…the following video will impact you. This is a public service message created in the UK, but is applicable anywhere. Heed it’s message.

See the accompanying story here at NPR.org

If you’re interested in some very informative and interesting information on health care reform visit Bill Moyers Journal at pbs.org. There are a number of videos that will get you thinking and explain to you how our system really works.

I believe we need fundamental change in our system and I fear the Congress is going to f%#k everthing up. Our system is bad and we cannot throw good money after bad. I don’t believe insurance companies bring any value to the table – instead they skim off anywhere from 16% to 26% for shareholder and CEO enrichment. I don’t know about you, but if I lose my job, I lose my health care.

I’m also hearing that Congress is writing language that would prevent negotiating lower prices from pharmaceuticals – much like they did with Medicare D (the drug benefit). Does anyone else think this is wrong?

I’m disappointed in our President. He needs to grow a couple of cajones and put together a real plan for change.

Last nights show on Bill Moyers showed part of a film called “Money-Driven Medicine”. It was fascinating. And if you live in Gainesville – a health care mecca – the film really hits home.

So, friends, I urge you to go to alternative sources for news – don’t rely on the major networks to give you the real deal – they just give you the sound bites that the health care industrial complex wants you to hear.