41 bike miles tomorrow

Sherri and I are riding 41 miles tomorrow from Redfield to Jefferson with a side trip to Jamaica for a tenderloin. We will take a turn east at Herndon with a 3 mile ride to Jamaica. Then a 3 mile ride back to the main trail to continue on to Jefferson. It is 13 miles from Herndon to Jefferson. Not a bad go after eating a huge tenderloin. I am sure we will have many photo ops and we will be stopping for them.
later...

Trailside shot of the day

Latest addition photos

We have started on the siding. Unfortunately Russ has a prior commitment so there will not be any progress in the next few days.

 But it is starting to have a finished look about it.

Butch has the insulation finished.

A finished wall still needs to be built on the inside above the door. And then Butch can start on the tongue and groove carsiding to finish it off.

It has been a few days...

...since progress has happened on the room but that is happening today as I write this. The following pictures are ones taken on Butch's room endeavors while waiting for Russ to come back.

The inside is insulated and the door is installed. There are three things for our friend Russ to do to complete the room. 1. the siding 2. wall above the inside door 3. the exit platform and steps out the outside door. The remainder after that can be handled by Butch and I . So it is all starting to draw to a close. Being near the finish line is not the same as being through the finish line but as Confucious says..."It does not matter how slow you go, it only matters that you do not stop." I first used that quote when biking but it also applies to many other situations. So Thank you, Confucious!

Unusual

This morning was unusual for a morning in July. 57 degrees. We walked first and then I rode to the first bench past the bridge hoping for it to warm just a little and it did. Beautiful sunshiny morning and my only wildlife encounters were bunnies and squirrels who did not want to get off the trail.
After returning home I received an email from Sherri from Atlantic and she wants to do a Waukee to Jefferson bike ride. I am sure I could do it physically if it is a low wind day. Free next weekend? Anyone wanting to join us is more than welcome. How far is it you ask? 55 miles. I have done it once with Connie from Cumberland but that was more than 10 years ago. I think I will wait for the forecast. It will be fun having Sherri for another weekend regardless if we do the Waukee trip.
More later...

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

***Biscuits & Gravy Casserole***

Ingredients

1 pound sausage

1 1/2 ounces pork gravy mix ( 1 package of Pioneer Brand Peppered Sausage Gravy Mix )

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

6 eggs

1/2 cup milk

to taste salt

to taste black pepper

1 Can (8 oz) biscuits ( 1 can Pillsbury Grands Biscuits )

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degree's. Take a 9x13 pan and spray it with Pam or whatever you like to use. Then take the Biscuits and it into 1" pieces and line bottom of pan. Brown Sausage and scatter over biscuits. Sprinkle with Cheddar Cheese. Whisk eggs and milk with a pinch of salt and pepper and pour it over the pan. Make Gravy mix per package directions and pour over. Bake in the oven for about 30-45 minutes.

I can see this becoming Butch's very best favorite dish.

Time passes!!

Last post was Friday. That is how quickly time can slip through your fingers. Keri has joined Colleen and I on our morning exercise/therapy/meditation sessions the past two mornings. I sure miss it when this morning routine comes to an end in the fall. My self discipline in other parts of the country and in our travels is not as strong as it is here. But I do the best I can!
This morning a fellow rider on the trail pointed out a Mama deer and her babies on the other side of the river at the bridge. I was able to get a picture but without my assistance in finding it it may be difficult to pick out of all the greenery.
Clue-lower center

Yesterday the JIGS met at the Hotel Pattee in Perry for lunch and conversation. The next one will in September at 209 Main in Paton Iowa. For those who do not know 209 Main is the name of the restaurant. Paton is a town of less than 300 people but you need to call for reservations or have a 2 hour wait to be seated. Its a success story beyond the imagination. Butch and I went for our anniversary celebration. The food is oh-so-yummy and we are up for a return trip anytime.
Here is a website where you can learn how it all came about.
http://www.iowalivingmagazines.com/2013/07/10/small-town-surprises/#comment-52510

Friend Mickey is getting settled in Jefferson. It will soon be time to welcome her with an official celebration. As soon as we have our extra space completed I have lots of plans to enjoy the company of different groups of our friends.
Next time I will get some update on the room pics for you.