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DAY 22
Camdenton to St. Charles, MO
60 miles
A short one to be sure. We left at 4:30 as we’re going to the St. Louis Cardinals game today (woo hoo!) and that meant headlights and taillights. I’m really not a fan of the headlights because of their weight and the fact that I feel restricted by yet another wire. In the sense that they keep me from being hit by oncoming early-riser automobilers, I think they’re great.
We had some of our steepest -- check that -- DEFINITELY our steepest hills this morning. They weren’t terrifically long, but the sharpness of the grade was a good morning douse of cold water -- or warm sweat as it turned out. Once again, the riding conditions (less traffic, cooler temps, no wind) are excellent in the morning.
We took I-70 in to St. Charles and that was plus-minus; plus in that when the shoulder was there alongside the major freeway, it was racetrack-like -- I was really able to fly. When it wasn’t, it was pretty sketchy and for a Sunday morning, there was a fair amount of traffic. We actually had to cut across a freeway division of three lanes at one point in order to avoid getting on the 170. Not too bad, but enough to make sure you’re totally there.
I got to the end point of exit 229 (as we had agreed upon) and Chris wasn’t there. I thought for a second I might have gotten the wrong exit, but Geoff really made 229 very clear before we left and we all agreed on it. I called Chris and left a message as he wasn’t answering (or couldn’t get service). He called me back five minutes later and asked if I was riding with my head down. He said he was right off the 228 as that was actually the exit we needed to take. This really got me and I took a deep breath before responding that we all agreed upon 229 at the last SAG stop. If he wanted to change that for any reason, he could have called me. I have no problem with the change -- I do have a problem with the suggestion that I’m not paying attention when I followed the instructions.
It was a moment of tension and it blew by. I decided not to explain to Chris how I felt and why I was upset. In hindsight, I can see this might come up again -- I hope not. I don’t like for things to fester. At the same time, Chris can be hard-headed (just like the dude whose words these fingers fly from). I love him dearly and he does great work for us -- and, at times, I see the 23 year-old in him very clearly. There’s nothing wrong with that. I just have to remember to take a breath and be the best I can be.
We got to Ron Burgess’ house (another friend of Gary’s) and WOW what a place. Who knows how many acres, but the nearest neighbor is a long shout away. He has three kids around who love to play and we did just that -- pool and regular whiffle ball sandwiched around going to the Cards game itself. We must have handed out 500 Shifting Gears to Better Health bands and could have done a lot more if we had them. It was a blast.
The Cards game was great -- St. Louis' pitcher, Carpenter, pitched a three-hit gem. I loved being there, especially after having been at Busch just a year ago with my dad. It did make me sad for him -- I miss him. And knowing that he, mom and Annamaria were going to the A’s game on the same day -- there was a little connection there. The A’s won, 5-4, by the way -- WOO HOO!
We got back to Ron’s and had a fantastic cookout. We were talking about the trip and Geoff brought up that there had been no knock-down dragouts between out group just yet and he hoped we could continue that. I echo those sentiments. There are times, living in close quarters, where things get tense. If I can remember not to shoot off my mouth, but rather, step back and take the high road, I’ll do well. There are some things worth talking and working out, there are others best to let go. Which is which is...the difficult part.
Gary paid me an interesting compliment yesterday, comparing me to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (pardon the misspellings). They are Biblical characters who chose to eat and live healthier lifestyles (avoiding meats and alcohol, for two things). Gary knows he doesn’t eat as well as he can and says that’s just his choice. It’s been interesting on this trip -- Geoff eats and drinks the worst, Gary’s second and then Chris. Not to puff myself up or declare myself a saint -- I eat sugary and fried foods from time to time and will have an occasional beer or glass of wine -- but when I have my choice, I’ll eat natural organic veggies, fruits and grains and be very, very satisfied. I do think these things taste great and I love how they serve my body -- cleanly. They make it more possible for me to live the healthiest life I can so I can be available to accomplish the things I want and be of service the way I want.
It just makes sense to me.
The kids and I watched Sixth Sense on an awesome bigscreen downstairs. I was fading in and out and, at some point, Chris tried to put whipped cream on my hand (with the intention of itching my nose and making me smear it on my face). Brian, one of the little boys who’s really taken a liking to me (says I'm his role model:)), woke me so the shenanigans wouldn’t go down. I was half awake and thanked him. Chris stood over me with the container right over my upper lip. I said please don’t. He laughed. I, again, said please don’t. He did and I ended up with a whipped cream mustache. I was too tired to react so I just layed there. Brian got me a rag, but not before Ashley, the little girl, played copy cat on Chris’ action and whip-creamed me a pair of glasses.
Ashley and Brian both lost their biological dad about two months ago. They mentioned it to me rather matter-of-factly at different times during the day. So many things rushed into my head about what to say, but, really, what do you say? I told them I was sorry for their pain and a moment later we continued to play. Ron’s their step-father and a very, very kind man. Their mother, Jean, is a wonderful and sweet lady. For those reasons, among others, I think they’ll be okay. 
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