Friday, May 22, 2009

Week three in the woods

An update on the Ladyslippers. We are nearing the end of a short blooming season.
The first picture shows how nicely our teenager developed. She has turned her bloom
and now it faces away from direct sunlight. Is that how they protect the blossom?

Her older sister has not done as well, the growth is less, but she is in a more shaded
spot.

Friday, May 15, 2009

A walk in the woods re-visited


Last week we took a walk in the woods and came upon a Lady Slipper as she was emerging from a long winters sleep. Now we have a teenager as she starts to develop. A little further down the path was her older sister.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Single Speed Bicycles

Single speed bicycles are a joy to ride. You don't have to deal with the worry of shifting gears, you do have to power your way up any incline. Their simplicity is what appeals to many riders. They are particularly good for city riding. Your attention can be devoted to avoidance and braking.
In Kanji we have the bike's name, "BOB", and a reasonable representation of "Live Your Dreams".

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Spring - The start of a new life


Who am I, what will I become? A Lady Slipper emerges and assumes a ballet position. It will be a short blooming season but she will also propagate and provide enjoyment in the future.

It was a nice day for a walk in the woods, not too hot. As I wandered through the woods I'm not sure who was more startled me or the deer that went bounding through the brush. Of course I had to contend with the mosquitoes and small flies that were trying to enter any orifice.


But Spring is a short season and we have to experience what we can, when we can.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Building a smallwheeler

Small wheel bicycles are a lot of fun. In general they are more agile than the standard bike with 700c wheels. And they can be just as fast, if speed is your thing. Pictured is a Sillgey Piccolo. It has been modified from the original. The standard frame is fitted with track dropouts, mine has an derailleur hanger that was installed by Circle A Cycles of Providence, RI. They also cut the headtube because I wanted a different look. Building it has been rewarding because I got the look I wanted. The final length of the headtube will be determined after I have ridden it for awhile.