We finally were blessed to have St. Clair Rd. paved… really paved!
Vanessa, on the new road
Drone shot by Jorma Kaukonen
Vanessa and I waited down by Rock Springs Rd. to remind people to drive slowly and watch for he children.
Rock Springs and St. Clair
Drone Foto by Jorma Kaukonen
It was a beginning of a beautiful evening when Doug MacLeod and Chris Smither would each hold forth in the Fur Peace Station.
Jorma, Doug and Chris backstage...
Monday came, and the students and teachers scattered to the four winds. It’s been brisk here in Southeast Ohio and we had our first hard frost the other night. During the day it’s been warm enough for a daily motorcycle ride. Not cold enough for electric gear but certainly an all leather moment. I feel unbelievably grateful that so far I can pilot a 750 pound machine with relative ease… it is truly all good! I have the mandible on my modular helmet up so I can enjoy the cold splash of the afternoon air. As I move through the gears the wind in my face almost takes my breath away. I have been looking forward to this all day. The bike and I are one as we transit country roads that dance through the trees like a ribbon in the wind. This is a sanctified place to be! None of the nonsense that plagues our wired lives is even in the same universe with me in these moments.
I have been able to do this for three days in a row and it certainly helps my perspective on things. Back at the as as the sun was setting, Vanessa roasted fresh vegetables and I cooked local beef burgers on the grill on the back porch.
The sun begins its downward path from my back porch.
Foto by Jorma Kaukonen
I don’t know why, but I was reminded today of Andrei Konchalovsky’s great movie Siberiade. Perhaps like Afonya we should all be building a highway to the stars.
Perhaps we are already on the way…
This is part of the column I mentioned previously:
Russ was an architect who took up the truck-driving life, played in a blues band, found romance, watched over his kids and cheered them on, and admired well-made things: motorcycles, guitars, old houses, barns, a song, a well-told tale.
Other than the name Russ and the architect part, see why it made me think of Cracks in the Finish and its host? Seems I read somewhere in one of these posts that Jorma said he could see himself as a truck driver had he not landed where he did.
Jorma your photos are always nice to see these places I have not been to see yet. The drone photos very interesting to see from above. Ride on in good health.
I must say that I sit in awe of a man 13 years my senior who can pilot a two wheeled 750 lb. machine with relative ease. I know you have many years experience and I have none, but still, what a testimony to your physical condition and a certain innate ability you seem to have staying in the moment and appreciating life ever how it comes to you. Bravo.
Read a delightful syndicated column by Garrison Keillor today. He was musing about age, mortality, the little things, the fragility of temporal life – topics I find here from time to time – in his inimitable style. Made me think of Cracks in the Finish. Then, I get to the end and he closes the piece with one word. The word: Onward.
Congratulations on the paving of your road. I know it makes a big difference, especially when you’re riding a motorcycle. Welcome to the 21st century. Going upstate again this weekend to do some “leaf peeping”. I think nature puts on a spectacular show every year for us to enjoy. One last gasp before winter sets in. And the mountains or the country are the best place to see it.
Great post – wonderful reflections. From that distance, Vanessa looks a little like Elvira! When were doing what we love, it doesn’t leave too much time for dwelling on what bugs us.
The motorcycle ride sounds great. Your comment about “nonsense that plagues our wired life” really hits home with me. Although always being “connected” has some advantages, overall I don’t think it’s a good thing for the human psyche. Upon the advice of a friend, I now turn off all TVs, computers, etc 2 hours before I go to bed each night and I’m finding that it really helps me wind down and have a more restful sleep.
That “downward path” of the autumnal equinox/winter solstice becomes an arc of remarkable definition this time of year. SUNGLASSES ARE NOT AN OPTION. Just wanted to express deep appreciation regarding the tolerance needed to put up with such varied individuals within this space you offer. Don’t know how you do it……..