RainmanP

Mike,
Yeah, in some ways I have it pretty good, and I don't take advantage of the opportunities as much as I should. HOWEVER, last year, all 3 daughters being away at school, my wife and I started "dating" again and doing more of the stuff that is available. For instance, next Wednesday, April 11, 2001, starts an annual series of weekly free after work concerts in an oak-shaded square downtown. We discovered this series last year toward the end of the series and have been looking forward to it ever since. Next week, Rockin Dopsie (for some reason pronounced Doopsie), Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters. We love zydeco. What a great kick off. Mostly great local artists (as you can imagine, we have plenty) as well as an occasional biggie in town to play House of Blues. We take our chairs and drinks and just chill. Last year we saw G.E. Smith. You remember, G.E. Smith and the Saturday Night Live Band. I was a little disappointed because he basically was playing for a female singer and did not really get to show his own stuff. Only problem this year - how do I get my bike home? Guess I can leave it at work and take the bus in the morning, but the thought of not riding saddens me.
This Friday, tomorrow, 4/6, a local casino starts it's weekly series of Friday and Saturday free concerts. First up Jerry Lee Lewis, whom a lot of people paid pretty good bucks to see at HOB just a few months ago. Next week, Chubby Checker. They get a lot of retooled 70s and 80s bands. Last year, for instance, Peter Noone and the New Herman's Hermits, Gary Puckett of Union Gap fame,the New Rascals, featuring two original members of the original Young Rascals, Little Richard, and a bunch of others whose names you would recognize if my aging brain could remember them.
Not to mention French Quarter Fest in a couple of weeks, followed immediately by the grandaddy, The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, better known as Jazz Fest. Two long weekends of unbelievable music of ever description. We only went one day last year. I expect to go three this year. Decisions, decisions.
Not the least thing I feel lucky about is where I live in relation to my office. An 8.7 mile commute in the early morning on empty main streets and a, now, 13.3 mile commute home on a combination of back streets as well as a nice stretch along Lakeshore Drive by Lake Pontchartrain. A wonderful fast stretch when the wind is low, murder with a headwind, but enjoyable either way. The wind is my friend. It makes me stronger.
Yes, I do feel lucky. But you know, we all are in some way. I envy those of you who live in more interesting cycling places with good trails and rural roads, places where you can ride for extended periods with no stop lights. With mountains to climb and breathtaking descents. As long as we have two wheels, or three, you trike riders, we are all blessed.
Regards,
Raymond