Spring Has Sprung, The Fling Has Flung, And The Bug Has Stung…

[DDT (12)]

Spring Has Sprung, The Fling Has Flung, And The Bug Has Stung…

Oh yeah, Hot Tub Johnny and his new riding bud saw varying degrees of Spring all along our route recently. From the young tree leaves already present in central Florida, to the still bare trees of Tennessee, the azaleas and dogwoods blooming in between, and most of the colors of that very special season on full display at some latitude or other for us to gaze upon and marvel at their magic… Springtime riding is a favorite of this committed rider, and it was muchly enjoyed!

We arrived on time and on target at the Mississippi Fling, and that, too, was muchly enjoyed! This year was bigger, and for my money even better, than the one last year. Many more of my old friends to see, even more new friends to be made, and a good time all around to be had. No telling what Rams may have in store for the next one, but for sure he’s going to have to stretch quite a bit to top this one! I’m already eagerly looking forward to it, though…

We’ve been ‘home’ almost a week now, so the bug has already stung, as well. Yep, that wander bug that mercilessly attacks this vulnerable target after only a couple of days of rest has already been busy doing what it continually does. Of course, as has become virtually automatic these days yet another doctor visit is just over the horizon, so… Anything coddiewomple-wise that might be contemplated will begin with or at least early-on include a ride to Montgomery. After that, however… hmmm… But will there be two or only one rider on this next big ride…?

Poor HTJ is caught in that twilight zone many on here have gone or are going through… should he retire now or wait a couple years. Many variables in play, as they always are for any of us… What will likely tip the scales one way or the other, however, will be more personality related than simple arithmetic or logical calculation. He is the stereotypical type of guy we all wanted our daughters to partner with: Dependable, honest, reliable, and extremely responsible (mine did, BTW). HT is one who must be confident he and his bride will be OK for the long-haul, no matter what. His confidence level just isn’t quite where he’d like it to be… not just yet… I strongly suspect his ability level is a bit further along than his confidence level, however… we all know how that works…

Still, I’m not counting on him to accompany us this time out. Nope, it’s even looking like he may have actually returned to work by the time we go KSU. He’s had an interview that struck his fancy, had his physical and drug test, and now awaits the results and final word from his prospective employer. My best guess is he’s… headed back into the salt mines for some period of time. For how long that might be is anybody’s guess, but for now I’m thinking his course is set, and our girl will be accompanied only by her rider this time out… Oh well, she’s been there many times before! My daughter has invited me down for Easter, so… any riding on will be delayed accordingly. I wonder where we might wander…?

Anybody who actually thinks there is a specific answer to that question really needs to read my new tee shirt! Yep, I was given a new shirt at the Fling… compliments of Sweet Cheeks. She personally ‘customized’ it and presented it to me there… And I proudly wore it over my regular shirt (it was a bit cool for this tenderfoot). Enough said… or should be…






Along our ride we saw this sticker in the rear window of a car. We didn’t see the driver, so we weren’t able to inquire as to how effective that might have been…



On our last stretch before ‘home’, we stopped in some really rural convenience store/gas station with a mini-cook area. No bacon, but some killer smoked sausages! I had two, and I solemnly promised I would return… a promise I fully intend to keep! They also had a ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ flag prominently displayed, and this sign above the cash register…

image hosting service

I do love to wander around America’s heartland… especially the area considered to be not worth the bother of national politics. You meet so many wonderfully real people with simple, straightforward outlooks on life, and they seem happy with their lot. They have no evangelical zeal to change the world, they just want to be left alone by all those who seek to ‘straighten’ them out! No purple hair and void of any gender confusion anywhere around there that I could detect…

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Love the shirt !  May your Coddiewomple be fruitful. 

[John Schmidt]

OK...I'm officially jealous. In reference to the title of this post, the only thing green in my area is me... with jealousy. No buds on the trees, no green grass, the swamp grass that they call decorative in front of the apt. is still brown. It knows better than to show its shoots yet.    In church today since it was Palm Sunday they had palm fronds in different spots. Really? Turns out they were plastic. The only palms I've seen up here are on TV or my computer. Seriously, I'm looking forward to the coming week, it's predicted to be in the 50s and possibly 60 one day. Maybe...just maybe...it will be warm enough to work in the shop without a heavy cumbersome coat on. That would allow me a chance to get something accomplished on the trike. Ya just gotta love the two seasons they have up here...cool and cold, the cold comes with some white crap that makes it difficult to get the fulltime tailgaters off my bumper. I personally think they teach tailgating in driver's ed, in Green Bay it's as popular as the Packers except it's a fulltime year 'round sport.

Enjoy your travels Bruce, I'm just "(w)itching" a bit here. 

[Rams]

Bruce,
Nice write up and thanks for the kind words.   It simply would not have been the same had you not made it to Spring Fling.   Based on the feedback, we'll probably do it again next year.  Great title BTW!!  

I say probably because, after hanging around you so much, the idea of planning is starting to seem somewhat less exciting.  

John,
That white stuff is yours to keep.   So are the tailgaters.   Although we do have our fair share down here in the south, we're not in near as much of a hurry as some of those folks up north.  

Rams

[DDT (12)]

Rob,

Yeah, I love it too! Sweet Cheeks not only provided a quality tee, she flattered me hugely with the sentiments expressed!!! 'Coddiwomple' and 'Vision Quest' just go together so well... and I can't seem to get enough of either... Reckon I'll just have to keep on keeping on... This life is such an amazing journey, and I'm so grateful to be living it...

DDT



John,

I hear ya, man! The weather down here, as you know all too well, is certainly hard to beat in the winter-time. I've been in snow and cold before... and I chose not to be anywhere near it if I can avoid it! Tailgaters, unfortunately, are not a geographically specific phenomena, so not so easily avoided... Good luck with all of your goings on, my friend... hope to see ya out and about this year somewhere.

DDT



Ron,

Take a well-deserved bow, my friend... you certainly deserve it! I'm afraid you'd really light-up the PAM Board if you were to decide not to have another event next year! Part of the price of success... As for planning, I hear ya! I have tried to paint an accurate picture of the perils of planning, so you're on your own there... Not planning definitely can become habit-forming...

DDT

[Rams]

Ron,

Take a well-deserved bow, my friend... you certainly deserve it! I'm afraid you'd really light-up the PAM Board if you were to decide not to have another event next year! Part of the price of success... As for planning, I hear ya! I have tried to paint an accurate picture of the perils of planning, so you're on your own there... Not planning definitely can become habit-forming...

DDT

Never fear, dates have been selected, 31 March-2 April.   Considering a different venue but will have to look around.   Thought I had a hula dancer for this year for entertainment, she changed her mind.  Stuff happens. 

Next year hoping to have a Valkyrie version of the Chippendales, bring your bowtie.   

Rams

[RNFWP]

That's one bug bite a legendary slayer can take care of in short order. 

Green as a primary color, and blended to make others, likely has unlimited possibilities. As for spring green, I think I saw every color and shade I could imagine riding out to the fling and back.

I enjoyed HTJ's stories. I'm looking forward to seeing yall around. Hope he doesn't get too tied down with that four lettered "W" word.

Cool shirt... coddiwomples add the "purposeful" to just plain wanderlust. Which is fun too...

[BudMan]

31 March - 01 April, check!
Got it in the calendar.

[Rams]

31 March - 01 02 April, check!
Got it in the calendar.

Just trying to keep things accurate. 

Rams

[BudMan]

31 March - 01 02 April, check!
Got it in the calendar.

Just trying to keep things accurate. 

Rams

Noted and amended as required.
Actually; being retired, the start date is the only thing that matters.

[DDT (12)]

BudMan,

Yeah, you are so right!!! All those days in the salt mines are paying off handsomely now! It was hard to envision what might lay ahead back then, but WOW! The experience for this long-time retired veteran has exceeded my wildest expectations by a huge margin... Yep, start dates only are important in order not to miss out. The rest is just so much detail... Looking forward to seeing y'all again next time...

DDT

[Sweet Cheeks]

It was awesome seeing you Bruce and I’m glad you like the shirt.  When I first saw the definition, I knew it had to be put onto something for you.  You are one of a kind and I am super glad to call you my friend. 

I hate that you won’t make it to Inzane this year, but don’t be a stranger.  The Colorado mountains are beautiful in the summer too.  You are always welcome.

Ron …. March 31 - April 2, 2023 … on my calendar!

Y’all be safe out there.  We will be headed back to the mountains in about ten days. I’ll be in the truck with my hubby this year, which will be a first.  Josh (DarkSideR) has my ‘03 ready and waiting for me though, so …. Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, I’ll see ya in Billings.

Janice

[Rams]

Ron …. March 31 - April 2, 2023 … on my calendar!

Janice

And that's the reason we're doing it again, Sweet Cheeks and DDT, it's now a party!!!

Rams

[DDT (12)]

Janice,

Thanks again for the shirt! I sure have received many, many positive reviews on that quite nice garment! I love the sentiment, of course, and it is a good quality shirt. The part I like best, however, is that you 'customized' it yourself just for this weary old traveler. I assure you that it will be seen a lot in the coming months!

Thanks also for the invite to drop by your 'other' place! No way to know where, when, or even which way we may roam, but... who knows? It would be nice to share some miles and smiles again... like we did once upon a time... You are one of those very special few who seem to take to this style of riding and roaming... Good luck with your own adventures!

DDT


Ron,

And a fine party it has become!!! You need to understand, though, that I do not own a bowtie, and I have no intention of ever 'needing' one either! I try hard to be a good sport, but I also do have limits... Near nudity involving this guy is not a good idea at all, and I've long ago proven that I cannot dance! Other than that, I'd be delighted to sit in the crowd while hootin' & hollerin'...

DDT

[Rams]

Ron,

And a fine party it has become!!! You need to understand, though, that I do not own a bowtie, and I have no intention of ever 'needing' one either! I try hard to be a good sport, but I also do have limits... Near nudity involving this guy is not a good idea at all, and I've long ago proven that I cannot dance! Other than that, I'd be delighted to sit in the crowd while hootin' & hollerin'...

DDT

Well, OK but I feel obligated to let everyone know that the next option is Serk......... 

Rams