Dad 73: Riding High

(I did my 10-mile ride on a day other than the one Dad describes below.  But I rode a 'lower-to-the-ground' bicycle, which is much more my style.  Enjoy Dad's post!  -- Tracy)

Derf Here!  After a wonderful Thanksgiving from the warm Northeast.  Another 50-degree day as November winds down.  The weatherman said cooler days are coming in December.  I hope so for the ski industry (not necessary for me, however!).

Last evening we attended a viewing showing respect for a friend who frequently rode our antique bikes in parades a few years back.  This got me thinking about my involvement with The Wheelmen (an international club for the preservation of antique bicycles) and specific times we enjoyed with the group.

My dad (a yankee trader) somehow came upon a highwheeler about sixty years ago.  Other names for the cycle are 'Penny-farthing' and 'Ordinary.'  I took a liking to the bike and taught myself to ride the monster.  My learning was not without a few bruises.


Back of this picture says: "13 years old;
1951 on old bicycle;
at Old Orchard Beach"



Back of this picture just says "Fred"

Even after mastering the bike I had a few memorable moments on the highwheelers, but nothing like daughter Kim had on a 10-mile ride in the late 1970's.

The Wheelmen decided on a 10-mile ride in Cape Elizabeth.  A 10-mile ride qualifies one to be a voting member in the club.  We gathered in the parking lot at the high school where I was teaching, which was to be where we would start and complete our ride.

The ride went well until a hilly section on the way to a local lighthouse.  We started down the hill when Kim left the pavement and was caught in the soft shoulder.  The bike continued to pick up speed as the hill was quite steep.  I was beside her until I could no longer control my speed.  I took my feet off the pedals and went whizzing down the hill.  As Kim was out of control, another rider was able to stay beside her.  Dana Gibson kept telling her to "stay on the bike."  Somehow Kim was able to get the bike back on pavement.  To this day I give credit to Dana for staying with her and talking her out of trouble.  I'm sure Kim will never forget the 'miracle' on that day.

Did I tell you that we never wore helmets for protection?  What ended happily could have been a serious accident.  How Kim was able to get from soft gravel back on the pavement is beyond my comprehension.  A 'miracle' indeed.  We give thanks!

Kim riding high several years after her 'miracle' ride.

I have several more stories related to the bicycling which I'll relate in the future.  My involvement in The Wheelmen was a result of riding in a parade and making the newspaper.  It has been a great ride.  It also has filled my garage with too many bicycles!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

The Countdown: One

I did it.

50,000+ words.

And with a day to spare.

Must... rest... now.

The Countdown: Two

Words written yesterday:  4,013
Words written today:  7,264
Cumulative word count:  43,664

So 6,336 words to go in order to get to 50,000.  That's an average of 3,168 over the remaining two days of the NaNoWriMo challenge.

I am a crazy woman.

A Photo Break

The countdown for NaNoWriMo is now three.

But wouldn't you rather see some recent pictures of Eli instead of read about my novel-writing?

Tomorrow night:  Check back for an up-to-date word count.

Today:  Enjoy these cute pictures!

The Countdown: Four

Here's what happened today:

• Lew and I went out to breakfast with our friends.
• Then we went to see Eli.  (Oh, yeah... we saw Matt and Emily, too!)
• We stopped at the grocery store.  (Even though we stuffed ourselves on Thanksgiving, I guess that we will still need to eat in the future.)
• The mail had piled up for a few days.  I finally went through it.  Paid some bills.  (Yuck!)
• I read the paper and did the puzzles.
• I did my devotion.
• While doing the previous three things, I also completed three loads of laundry.
• Lew and I ate dinner and watched the movie "Shutter Island."  (We're still scratching our heads.)
• Then Lew and I did our devotion.
• Now I am writing my blog post.

So, what is missing from the above?  If you're a regular reader of Mainely Tracy, then you know what I didn't do yet today.

That's right!  I have not written at least 3,540 words of my novel.

This is not to say that I have not thought about my novel today.  I have.  A lot.  In fact, I've thought so much about it, that I've decided to take some of the plot in a whole different direction.  (All part of the creative process, I guess.)  So when I sit down to work on it... probably tomorrow, at this point... I will have some interesting new twists to get down on paper.  Or on the computer screen, in this case.

I do have a dilemma regarding the NaNoWriMo challenge:  The new direction of the story contradicts some (most) of what I've already written.  In fact, some of the writing that I'm going to do over the next few days will be somewhat repetitive in nature.

My gut is that I should still count all of the words that I've written so far.  (Remember, the goal is 50,000 words.)  After all, I don't know what will stay and what will go when the editing process begins.  Plus, all of these words have been part of the process.

And from what I can tell, my experience is "normal" for NaNoWriMo!

The Countdown: Five

Only five days left of NaNoWriMo after today!

I made my daily word count goal on Wednesday, but yesterday....  Well, let's not talk about that.  (It was Thanksgiving, after all.)

Before I started writing today, I determined that I need to average 3,540 words per day over the remaining days.

Words written today:  3,623.  (Yippee!)

Cumulative word count:  32,387.  (50,000 -- Here I come!)

Thank you, dear readers, for hanging in there with me throughout this challenge.  I will be doing lots of editing starting December 1st, but the word count goal will be over.  (Hooray!)  And hopefully Mainely Tracy will return to "normal."  (Whatever that is!)

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful meal at our home today.  There were 13 of us, and I think we could have fed twice that.

Lew just updated his Facebook status with:

Thanksgiving by the numbers: 13 people; 24 lb turkey; 7 desserts; 2 eyes closing zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

We missed having Matt, Emily, and Eli with us.  But Matt did text his father a "Happy Thanksgiving, Grampa!!" photo of Eli.  I will include it below, of course.

Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!

Happy Thanksgiving.

Dad 72: More Bragging on the Grandkids

(Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day tomorrow.  And enjoy Dad's post!  --  Tracy)

Derf Here!  Reporting on a rainy/snowy day in the great Northeast.  Thankfully, we are getting just rain.  A little inland and the mountains are getting snow.  Weather reports say some places are to get up to 12-14 inches.  We may get a trace at storm's end.  I can handle a trace.

All here are looking forward to tomorrow when we'll gather here for Thanksgiving.  Lew and Tracy will host, yet another Thanksgiving, once again.  It is a great day for friends and family.  Make sure all of you reading this enjoy the day for what it is.  Another day of football!  (Just kidding.)  Enjoy the day with friends and family.  Don't forget to give thanks for the service people allowing us to gather in a free society.  And thank God for His continuous blessings.

I'm about to do a little bragging on two grandchildren.  Nothing new about that, is there?  We all do it when possible.  Or at least I do.

Grandson Josh was named "Outstanding Student of the Quarter" for his grade.  Way to go Josh!  You make us all proud of you.  Keep up the good work!

Son-in-law Joe directs the Peoria (IL) Area Civic Chorale.  Well, Kim (his wife and our daughter) and Kaelen (grandchild) are members of this group.  Monday the Chorale joined up with the Peoria Symphony for a concert of mostly Christmas music.  Joe chose Kaelen to sing a solo in the concert.  The next paragraph makes me proud of our Illinois family.

A reporter (Gary Panetta) of the Peoria Journal Star reviewed the performance as follows, and I quote:

The real standout, however, of the concert's second half was Kaelen E. Henry, Joseph Henry's daughter, who brought a radiant, supple voice to "O Holy Night."  Her voice was powerful enough that I think she could have done without the mike.

Joe will be conducting his last series of "A Family Christmas" concerts as he is about to take on new responsibilities at Eureka College.  He leaves the Civic Chorale after about 20 years.  Spouse and I have had the privilege to hear several of his concerts.  Wish we could be there for the finale, which we know will be spectacular!  Job well done!!

I'd be remiss if I didn't wish youngest daughter, Deb, a "Happy Birthday" this Thanksgiving day.  Hope someone brings a cake.  Haven't had any birthday cake since Saturday at Zack's party.  I'm still trying to lose 20 pounds.  However, I never pass on cake!!  It would be un-American!

Happy Turkey Day!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

The Countdown: Eight

Words written today so far:  3,048.

As you know from yesterday's post, I need to average 3,039 per day.  So I had success today!

If I can do that each day for the remaining eight days of November, I will meet the NaNoWriMo challenge.

Some may say, "Easier said than done."

But I say, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...."

My Novel... Or Lack Thereof

I have not worked on my novel since last Wednesday.  My word count has been stuck at 22,657.

In order to meet the NaNoWriMo challenge, I need to be at 50,000 words before the end of the day on November 30.  I won't get anything done tonight, so I effectively have only nine days left.

I just did the math.  I will have to average 3,039 per day in order to make it.

Can I do it?

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....

Where Was My Second Wind?

I have been very busy the past several days.

We went to church this morning, and when we got home I got caught up on a few things.

One thing I did NOT do, however, was work on my novel.  I hoped to do so tonight, but my mental energy level was (and still is) nonexistent.

But tomorrow is a new day, the start of a new week.  Hopefully I will have great things to report in my next post....

So be sure to check in tomorrow.

For now... G'Nite, all!

More Photos... By Eli

Tonight I went to my cousin Zack's birthday party!
My first birthday party ever!!!
But first we had dinner at Grampa's and Tia's house.



Momma and Daddy sat in their favorite spot at Grampa's.



Great-GrandPaPa sang "Happy Birthday" to cousin Zack.
You sing good, Great-GrandPaPa!



I met my cousins Zack and Josh for the first time!
I was so excited -- a little sleepy -- but excited.  :-)



Lew's Friday Off

Lew took the day off from work today. I planned a very relaxing day for him:

• Drop paperwork off at dentist's office
• Make a deposit at credit union
• Pick paperwork up at eye doctor's office
• Get Lew a haircut
• Meet with loan officer at credit union
• Have late lunch at Olive Garden
• Go grocery shopping
• Drop groceries at home
• Serve as volunteer staff at youth event
• Return home shortly after 10:00 p.m., tired and hungry

Lew's "note to self": Next time taking a day off, DON'T tell Tracy.

LOL!

The Sun Has Gone To Bed

Woke up with a headache this morning.

Wrote a grand total of zero words on my novel today, as I had to deal with something totally unrelated.

But at least I did start to feel better.

Had a scrumptious dinner out at Cracker Barrel with Lew and my parents.

On our way to dinner, Dad commented that it was like "driving at night."  It was before 6:00 p.m. at the time, and it was dark. 

It is now after 8:00 p.m., and I'm ready to go to sleep... just like the Sun.

Dad 71: A Nickname & Birthday Wishes

(Yes, I am very busy today.  But I've only managed to add 555 words to my word count so far.  Yikes!  So while I get back to writing my novel, you may enjoy Dad's post!  -- Tracy) 

Derf Here!

Still enjoying the great weather in the Northeast.  Temperatures are still reaching the 60's on pretty much a daily basis.  It sure has been welcome as we save on heating fuel.  It was great to get ready for winter in such great weather.  The bikes are stored.  Lew's and Glen's motorcycles are in the garage.  The Bantam and motor home are put to bed.  The wheels are wrapped up.  The A/C on the motor home is secured and the batteries are in the cellar.  The plow is on the Silverado and I'm personally ready for winter.  Bring it on!  March will be here before you know it.  At least I hope so!

This is a day of celebration for our family.  Our youngest grandson arrived in this world exactly eleven years ago.  He entered this world weighing ten pounds and four ounces.  He has continued to grow at a rapid pace.  Zachary Reed has a nickname.  His football coach is a wrestling fan and his favorite wrestler is someone called "Big Sexy."  His coach has given Zack this name.  I think that Zack is happy with it, but I have reservations.  Hopefully it will run its course and will dwindle away.  Please!

Still waiting for responses on Facebook for selective new friends.

Mainely Tracy is very busy today so I'm keeping my post short.

So "Happy Birthday" to Zack and we'll see you at your birthday celebration this Saturday.  Have a good supply of ice cream and cake!!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

I Write! I Write! I Write!

When I posted on this blog yesterday, I had a cumulative word count of 16,418.  I did not add to that before going to bed.

I have just finished the writing that I am going to do for today.  I am pleased that my cumulative word count is now 20,968.  That means I wrote 4,550 words today!

Because the month is now half over, I should be at 25,000 words.  So, I'm still a little over 4,000 words behind.  I am happy with my progress, though.  I'm going to put in two more heavy word days tomorrow and Thursday.

Something that doesn't show up in the word count is time spent figuring things out for the story.  For instance, today I researched some tools that the characters use in my novel.  I consider that progress.  :)

Today's Word Count

I wrote exactly zero words of my novel today.

But I did go through all of the other little things that have been sitting in my in-basket, in my e-mail inbox, and in the corners of my mind.  I also went out and did a couple errands.

So tomorrow... I write!  I write!  I write!

And nothing is going to distract me, right?  Right!

The 30-Year Reunion

I graduated from high school in 1981.  I can't believe it's been 30 years!

Ellen picked me up about 6:30 last night and we went to our reunion.

Fortunately, one of the gals that organized the event brought her yearbook.  Otherwise, I would not have been able to connect some of the 30-year-later-faces with their 1981 version.

We stayed at the event for about 2 1/2 hours.  Then both Ellen and I started to droop.  But a lot of the other folks were getting tired, too.  What a difference 30 years makes in your stamina... LOL!

When we got out to Ellen's car, we realized we were hoarse from all of the talking and laughing that we had done.  Still, we talked the whole way home.  :)


I am in this picture.  Can you find me?

For the answer to "Where's Tracy?".......

The 20-Pound Whiskers

A few days ago my father announced that he would not shave again until he has lost twenty pounds.

He has kept his word so far -- about the not shaving, that is.

I would post a picture of him, but I'll spare my readers.

Plus, I'm sure you would rather see a new picture of Eli.  :)

A lazy Saturday with Momma.

Many Thanks On This Veterans' Day

Lew had the day off from work today due to the Veterans' Day holiday.  Thank you, Lew's employer!

We went out to breakfast with our breakfast buddies.  Dick said he was treating us to breakfast because Lew is a veteran.  (I argued with Dick that he shouldn't pay for me, as I'm not a veteran.  But he didn't listen to me.)  Thank you for breakfast, Dick and Carole!

For dinner we met Lew's buddy Steve at Applebee's.  Because they are both veterans, Steve and Lew got their entrees for free.  Thank you, Applebee's!

But most of all, a THANK YOU to all of our country's veterans - today and every day.

Blog-gledygook

I made up some good ground writing my novel over the past couple days.

Yay, me.

But it's too bad that very little of it is good enough to stick around for the published product.  (I'm being positive about the "published" part.)

Trying to reach a 50,000 word count in just 30 days?  Not sure about that.  The word "crazy" comes to mind.

Still... I maintain that this challenge is worth it.  Although I will have to literally throw out most of my first draft, it has been exciting to see where the story goes by just letting my fingers keep typing -- not worrying about editing, just typing the story as it comes.

The quality of my blog may be suffering (except for Derf's posts, of course!), but just think -- someday you will be holding my first novel.... Hopefully!

Dad 70: You'll Always Sound Precocious

(Mark Zuckerberg should hire Derf as a spokesperson!  Enjoy Dad's post.  -- Tracy)

Derf Here!

From the Northeast, enjoying late summer weather.  It has been a beautiful Fall with temps in the sixties.  Rain is predicted for tomorrow.  We still have remnants of snow where it was piled up and the sun was lacking.

Derf has been busy this week.  Facebook is occupying some time as I attempt to keep up with the heavy demand.  Still looking for new friends.  So, if you're friendly with Spouse, it's possible Derf will accept new members.  I will be selective!  I'm learning new facts about Facebook daily.  I'm now carrying on messaging with friends while online.  Sometimes my typing skills are questionable and my spelling is suspect.  I could become addicted!  World!  Watch Out!!

A few weeks (months) ago I predicted a sweep of Boston teams for championships.  This was right after the Bruins won the Stanley Cup.  Well, since then the Sox (Red) did not make the playoffs.  They collapsed the last month of the season.  They didn't just falter, they COLLAPSED!  The Patriots started the season quite well but their game is now suffering.  They stopped scoring thirty points per game and look very beatable.  The Celtics are tied up with the league/players clash that shows the greed of both sides (players/owners).  I assume this will be settled today and a season is likely.  Neither side wants to give up billions of dollars.  I now predict that no Boston teams will win their ultimate goal.  NO CHAMPIONSHIPS!  Not what I wanted, but what will happen.

Spouse and I just returned from a shopping expedition.  We (she) purchased a few things for Christmas and then we ate lunch out.  Very enjoyable.  At the same time we dropped the RV off to be winterized, have it checked for a propane leak, and get the propane tank refilled.  We enjoyed our 2,800 mile trip to Illinois and Indiana and will wrap the RV up for another Maine winter.  Please be gentle with snowfall and temperature.  Thank you, Lord!

Next Spring, will service RV and get ready for Kelsey's graduation.  Perhaps prior to this, Glen, Deb, and Josh and Zack will take a trip in the RV for a week in April.  Then to Kelsey's graduation.

Speaking of graduation, Erik Swanson (Kelsey's pastor's son) took senior pictures for Kelsey.  You can all see them on Facebook.  My evaluation of them is "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."  (Excuse the spelling, but they are that good.)  I want to take credit for the beauty but I can not do that in good conscience.  Maybe both her grandmas can take credit.  I think they can!

To you not on Facebook, it would be worth your effort to connect with Derf and to see Kelsey's pictures.

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

NaNoWriMo Update

Since tomorrow will be Dad's weekly post, I thought I should take today to update you on how my novel-writing is going.

As I shared in an earlier post, the NaNoWriMo challenge is to have 50,000 words written during the month of November.  As of right now (approximately 7:30 p.m. EST), I have 10,900 words written!

Before you give me too many kudos, please know that I am behind on my word count.  I need to average 1,667 words per day in order to make the 50,000 word goal.  So eight days into the month, I should be at 13,336 words.

I'm glad that I have the 10,900, but I better get a boogie on!

Senior Pictures

I just spent a few minutes on Facebook looking at Kelsey's senior pictures -- all 84 of them.

She had about four different outfits throughout the shoot (one outfit was her cheerleading uniform).  There were indoor shots and outdoor shots.  In some photos she was standing.  In others she was sitting on a bench or on the ground.  There were some pictures of her posing with a piano.

I believe that one of her friends took the pictures for her.  I'm not sure how she's going to be able to choose just one for her yearbook.  They all are great!

Photography has come a long way since I had my senior year photos taken 31 years ago.  None of this digital camera stuff where you get to see your pictures right away.  Way back then you got some proofs in the mail, and then you could pick whichever shot was the least ugly.  Yep... those were the days.

The Day of Eli

Eli had a good day today.

I am referring to Eli Manning, the quarterback for the New York Giants.

In the last minute of today's football game, his touchdown pass beat the New England Patriots.  Boo hoo....

Our friends Dick and Carole were actually at the game.  They are both Giants fans, but I love them anyway.

I sent Carole a text message after the game ended:  "Stinky!"

She responded:  "No that was OchoSTINKY!"

And then she sent:  "Or is it OchoStinko!"

I laughed out loud:  "LOL!!!!"

Carole, you may have something there.  Next time Chad Ochocinco decides to change his name, OchoStinko would be quite fitting....

And as for our own special Eli, don't you all want to see another photo?  So sweet!  :)

My Good Energy

The other day as I was walking home from my walk with Ellen, I ran into a gal who walks both of her dogs every day -- weather permitting.

We stopped and chatted for a few minutes.  She walks only one dog at a time -- always in the same order -- and she was just finishing up her walk with Dog #2.

As we talked, Dog #2 came over to me and I started to scratch her head.  Her owner -- after making sure I was OK with her dog cozying up to me like that -- said, "Gee, she really never gets like that with anyone."

I then explained that dogs seem to be drawn to me.  Lew would even agree with this.  We took a beach walk with some friends once and told them about my being a dog magnet.  And sure enough, during that walk, a dog came running right toward me.

After telling this story to Dog #2's owner, she said, "You must really give off a good energy."

That must be it.  Maybe I am a Dog Whisperer!

More Photos... By Eli



Daddy says this is his favorite picture of me so far!



Mommy and Daddy took me to meet Great-Grammy tonight!

I got to meet Great-Uncle Wayne, too.
I will just call him Uncle Wayne, as the "Great" goes without saying.
This photo is a little blurry -- I am still a bit squirmy, you know!

Grampa and Tia were at Great-Grammy's tonight, too.
Grampa is wearing a John Wayne tee-shirt.
Are YOU John Wayne, Grampa?



Four generations of the Tibbetts family.
I really DID try to cooperate for this picture!



Meet the Family

Dad, Mom, Debbie, and I paid a visit to Emily and Eli today.  Dad and Debbie were meeting Eli for the first time.

When we arrived at the house, guess whose vehicle was parked in front?

Answer:  Grampa Lew's!

He couldn't bear the thought that we were visiting without him, so he left work for a bit so he could be there, too.

Grampa was holding Eli when we went into the house... but not for long.  Debbie grabbed the baby right out of Lew's arms.  And she lived to tell about it!  Ha ha!

It was especially nice to see Emily with her baby in her own home.  Motherhood suits her.  :)

A one-day-late "Happy Birthday" to Matt.  Here's a picture of Eli celebrating:


"I'm so excited about Daddy's birthday
that I can't stand it!!"



Dad 69: Mow to Snow!

(As I typed in Dad's final paragraph, I was reminded of a project I'm supposed to help him with today.  No rest for the weary.... LOL!  Enjoy Dad's post!  --  Tracy)

Derf Here!

From the snow-covered Northeast.  There are still several thousand people without power in this area of the country.  We received only 5 to 6 inches of snow and our power didn't even flicker.  However, on a beautiful sunny summer day with no wind, we will have a loss of power for an instant -- but not in the middle of a severe snow, windy storm.  Some towns in our area received 20 inches (Acton).  Bridgton received 17 inches.  We lucked out on the amount, being on the coast.  Thank you, Lord!

Over the weekend Kelsey's Eureka High School band received the third place state trophy at Illinois State University.  They had hoped for a better finish but had a very successful year.  Congrats to Kelsey, Ali, and company.

Prior to the storm I put my plow on the pickup and I will not remove it until there is no chance of more winter weather!  After our snow melts I'll probably look a little foolish driving around with a plow until winter really arrives.  I will not, however, remove it until Spring.

Saturday afternoon I mowed my lawn.  Saturday night it snowed.  In all my years on this earth -- and they are many -- I have never mowed a lawn the same day it was covered with snow.  Hence the title "Mow to Snow!"  When the snow melts totally -- and it will -- I will clean up our yard of fallen branches.  We did have one limb crash to earth in this event.  Our lawn looks as green as it does in June.  Please don't allow too much snow to fall this winter!  Thank you, Lord!  Please cooperate!

Halloween has come and gone.  I purchased three large bags of candy.  I know we'll have at most a handful of "Treaters."  Only grandsons and friends will show up.  This year we had grandsons and friends, a total of four.  However, my two bowls of goodies were reduced to one upon their exit.  That is why I buy junk food that we like!  Around the corner from us where Glen, Debbie, and grandsons live, the "Treaters" numbered around one hundred (100).  That is what happens in the "hood!"

Today I will be getting my own Facebook identity.  I have been using Spouse's (Mary Lou Gowen), but she wants me to get my own.  I'm starting to converse with friends when online and she doesn't want people thinking she is the communicator.  It seems logical to me.  So I will be carefully picking out my future friends.  I will be limiting it to family and real close friends.  Look for me on Facebook.

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Two Big Things In My Life Right Now

NaNoWriMo

My word count for today = 1,989.

In order to reach the 50,000 mark by November 30th, I have to average 1,667 words per day.  So I'm off to a good start!


Eli

Time to share a new photo!  Emily posted this one on Facebook today.


Emily:  "Never knew I could love this much"