About the Bicycle

I wanted to add that I never thought about the bicycle being such an important part of a women's independence.  Does that ever make sense especially in the 1890's.  They didn't have to get out the carriage and hook the horse up to it or ask someone else to do it for her.  What freedom it must have felt to walk outside and hop on the bike.  How thrilling it must have been for them.  We have all seen the bike riders along the streets zipping by us not being held up by traffic as we were in the car.  It's very interesting to me to realize this.  To this day I love riding a bike.  How true that it's such a freeing feeling.  It doesn't matter the age you are or your physical aptitude.  It doesn't take great strength to ride, granted you wouldn't want to go up hill or expect to win the race but to hop on for a leisurely ride would be really fun.

Okay,  now I want to go get me a bike.  Right at the  moment I do not have a bike.  We live in the country and sadly the road we live on seems to be the route race car drivers insist on using for their daily  commute.  I'm not kidding and as far as the shoulder goes there isn't any.  So there you go.  But we do have a side street about a block away that we could ride on but if I'm going to ride a  bicycle I would prefer to be going somewhere in particular then circle back.  We really are to far from town and beside  again there are no shoulders.

 I feel like I have talked myself out of riding the bike.  Here is what I wish  it could be...... I would like to have a light weight bike one that when I am sitting on the seat I can touch the ground with my feet.  I would want a basket on the back not too small, not to large. Perhaps a basket on the handlebars also just not too large.  Then I would like to actually go to the grocery store pick up this and that for the evening meal.  OR go to the Farmers Market and pick up fresh vegetables, flowers, homemake french bread, local olive oil and of course Wine.  Take it all home then go to the Book Store.  Yes, the Book Store.  Browse till my hearts content.  Buy several, hop on my Bicycle and head for home.  Now, that to me would be ideal.  That's it, we all need to get bikes !  Just Thinking  Tootles

Reading

Let me tell you what I think of bicycling.  I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world...It gives (a) women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance...The moment she takes her seat she knows she can't get into harm unless she gets off her bicycle...

                                                                                Susan B. Anthony, Social Reformer, 1896

I love that.  This is a quote in the beginning of the Book I am about to read.
  
While the World is Still Asleep by Petra Durst-Benning

If this is any indication of what this book is about then I am very excited to get started.  I'm reading it on my Kindle as I belong to the unlimited books.  I might add very good deal as you can read as many as you want for 9.99 a month.  Believe me I would spend that and more on one book.  The only  draw back, of course is it's on the Kindle.  Yes, I know  there are many good things about the Kindle but let's face it, You can't smell the book, hold it in your hand and feel the energy going through your fingers.  It's not  going to be on your book shelf where you can see the spine and remember the joys and laughter or the sadness you felt BUT I will say this.  If I like the book I will buy the book to hold in  my hand and read it many many times.  So, there you go, the Kindle is a good thing.

Will let you know about the book.  Tootles

Starting to get ready for Spring !

I think I can start to fix up the back yard or I should say get ready for Spring.

We certainly have had plenty of rain this year and now it's time to dry up and have to start watering the plants.  Ha!
I do want to start having tea at this table.  I don't care if it's just me I want to do this.  You know some things just need to be started.  That's how you get Traditions.  Haven't  done anything yet but soon.

I need to figure out how to get rid of the paper wasp.  It's not that I want to kill them, I don't.  I just don't want them in my yard.  Hey, I ask you, who wants to go in a yard and see paper wasp flying around.  I  have asked on the internet and tried a few.  Hanging up  brown paper sacks to make it look like another wasp nest.  I put up dryer sheets tucked in and around the patio.  I put a jug that had milk in it, filled it half way with water, little vinegar and sugar.  I put a slit in the side for them to go through.  I have to tell you, really nothing has worked.  I will keep trying.  I really want to get them to move away as I just don't want them in my yard.  Will keep you posted.  Tootles