Forecast thru the weekend is calling for snow and cloudy skies. Lament: here in snow country, inside, unmounted snow tires, can’t ride. can’t ski, dark @ 4:00. What’s to like: being a regular @ Genos & the Elk, having established dentist to re-cement a crown, a fix it ortho DR and PT for healing. Really Spokane was my home for 18 years, this is the longest and latest I have been here since I left in July of ’08. Still Spokane is my anchor spot. I have since de-emphasized my attempt to buy land.

My range of motion is almost able to grab the handlebar. My gut has been shrinking from riding the exercise bike and hiking. I am able to fasten my pants. And almost able to sleep pain free by propping my arm up w/ a pillow. I can even open the nail polish bottles.

Wed I hiked miles of trails @ Riverside, again what I have ridden. get  to see a lot more.

Even watched this guy from close up:

Today is laundry day, preceded by workout, which will wash clean my sweaty riding clothes. I am up to 70 mins of butt torture on the bike during which I completely sweat out my clothes. Tonight I am attending the Banff film festival, buddy Jeff, who suggested a Sprinter for my home, is my date. Guy time.

I learned that w/ my simple camera I only need to get it up high enough to see the image in the screen and not thur the lens which allows these pics.

Tomorrow is ski porn party night @ Larry & Theresa’s. They built a beautiful log house out on west plains w/ a sunset view. Get to visit w/ old time ski buddies.

Sunday I actually have a date w/ Erin to see another showing of Banff. Fact last date I had was a Banff show while living here.

Yesterday I replaced the AGM battery installed by Sportsmobile back 4 1/2 years ago. This AM the battery voltage was 12.xx volts where it should have been. $271 for it.

U District Physical therapy have been my body repairers for years while I lived in Spokane, our relationship continues as Brian progresses me thru rehabilitation. The first 2 weeks were gentle movements and increased range of motion to wake up the attrified shoulder caused by 6 weeks of inactivity while in the sling / harness. He said that my extent of range of motion determines next exercises. My range is getting better. Monday he added isometric exercises using rubber stretch cord. The exercise is still passive as I hold my arm in a fixed position and then walk away from the anchor which fires muscles passively. I do the routine 2X per day. Monday I was able to feed myself w/ my right arm! I can almost brush my hair right handed. Sleeping is still am issue. Yesterday i visited Jeff, the other co-owner of U District out @ Liberty Lake. We have a lunch date Thurs to visit w/ both of us being on the same side of the desk.

Yesterday Autocraft change the oil & filters. They have worked on several of my rigs over the years. Dave, the owner, is dabbling in mtn biking. Recently he rode Moab which prompted stories from each of us. Great visiting and sharing stories, unfortunately usually one person is on the clock and I am not.

Back to riding an exercise bike w/ the uncomfortable seat that becomes more painful as my workout continues. I researched looking for another seat for the machine and only found the sales pitch that comfort comes from where you sit on the seat. My seat does not match the designers’ intent.

Early winter is moving in, maybe not early, maybe it is what happens here at this time of year. Snow is forecasted later this week.

My plan is to leave here the first of the month should my PT progress be satisfactory. What keeps being repeated from Brian and reading DR Kody’s remarks that my tear was extensive and needs  time to heal. Concern is falling on my arm. This is my one chance for recovery, if I tear again there can be no repair which adds weight to no challenging single track for several more months.

Diane Ream interviewed John Grisham this AM. His new book, Sycamore Row, was discussed. He is from Mississippi and still speaks w/ an accent that I enjoyed. My travels to all the states exposed me to local accents and transplants. Local culture continues to be standardized thus destroying variation. The snobbish people in the cities ridicule rural peoples’ lack of city refinement.

My riding plan is to wait until after this next Monday’s PT results to give riding my mtn bike on local roads. I am almost able to reach my hand out to hold the grip.

Pearl Izumi’s project X shoes are finally hitting the market. I have been following these shoes waiting to be able to buy a pair. They are desirable because the design makes them a strong pedaler and a hike a biker. They are more to my style of riding as i do walk a bit. The normal mtn bike shoes are fully rigid so walking is a bit like walking in a downhill ski boot.

This Friday is Banff film festival here in town. I have a ticket for Fri.

Going to hike in Riverside.

I still can not hold a camera to take pics. Fall colors are just a faded memory.

Everyday i notice more movement in my shoulder. I am still not sleeping well because of  pain. I’m just saying. Every day is another closer to pedaling my bike. I have been riding the Nautilus bike @ gym, today I made my butt suffer for 70 mins. Sweat pours off me. I take a shower then move on.

Sat I hiked up some trails towards snow capped mt Spokane.  Scattered tamaracks w/ golden plumage. Others dumped their used leaves on trail. Remanents of snow from storm several days ago. I lasted for 3 miles towards Kit Karson outhouse until snow melting off the trees became an elevation issue I did not want to get snow melt cold wet. Some sunshine but almost entirely.

yesterday I owned my van for 7 years. Just a passing day.

Today i saw 12 years a slave movie. Very powerful. I have read about slavery which prepared me for the awfulness of being owned by someone who could do as he or she desired. Today working people are in a more modern form of slavery: Buy something on credit then the man owns you and you become property. You quit the job, the credit collectors instead of the bloodhounds and armed men on horseback track you down. You can’t hide in a swamp anymore.