Russellsphere

I have a bike computer, thats a little shattered right now after my crash – but still functioning. Nicholas spotted it, and he wanted a computer for his trike. I strapped on using high adhesive construction tape, my old XM radio system that is also shattered. I no longer pay for the service. Its about 3 years old. Anyway – I taped, I mean – constructed the new computer system and bolted it on to his transport. It is a GPS and onboard computer system, which successfully guided us to the gazebo up the road.

For the first time, Nicholas went to Bible School yesterday, a week long program (which is free) at his pre-school. I am not particularly religious, but I see no harm in it – anything that teaches good values is good to me. Problem is, he doesn’t really like it – he finds the church room scary, of course that is before he arrives at the church, apparently while he is there, he is singing and dancing like mad. Jenny was due to help out during the week, however – the twins had other ideas. They are not being particularly cooperative in the nursery, they are causing trouble – not surprising really. They started ripping down stuff from the walls, and over taking the room – ahhh, my girls – I love em. Twin power – working together.

Darkness fell on the meadow, I was returning from a 3 mile adventure across the city center, I was concerned because light was fading and I had been gone for quite a while. My bike computer was beeping menacingly warning of the impending darkness, my muscles tiring from the extreme physical force I was requiring of them.
I don’t know why the decision was made, for many had failed before me, I don’t know why I was any more special to even attempt it. You see there is a shortcut, a route none follow and only speculate.. a shortcut through the field of despair – a field full of holes and long grass – a dangerous journey for sure. I had done it a few times before in broad daylight – marveling in my success – it cut a good 2-3 minutes from the total time. I was after all in a hurry.
So at a good 7mph I hit the field of despair, light failing, my eyes squinting as my Trek impressively shored through the bumpy terrain, the custom shocks bouncing with glee, I was content, even though near dark I knew that my home would soon be within sight and all would be well.
But then – it happened. The front wheel dipped hard into a pothole that I could not see, my body flew – for a moment I was at peace as the forces of gravity suspended me like a puppet for a millisecond or two. Until the bike went 360 over my head, and I lie crumpled on the floor, moaning a morbid song for I had crashed.
In a daze, I slowly picked myself up but realized I was injured – 4 maybe 5 points around my groin and legs – arm was on fire too. I then realized I couldn’t see, as not only was it dark, but my glasses had flown on their own journey across the field. My on board computer too was missing, I frantically looked for them – but it was difficult. The pain was bad, the light gone, my eyesight at 10%, I spotted the computer first – I checked it quickly, it was fine. A broken bone, who cares – the computer is more important. The glasses were more difficult to find – but at last they were located.
I mounted my crumpled bike and assessed the damage. It seems I was lucky – the gear shifter on the right was askew, no worries – screwdriver will fix that. I slowly and with a little humility stuck to the road – going around the field of despair – I could feel it laughing at me. I struggled at half power to make it up our road and painfully parked into position.
I staggered into the house, life oozing – “have to find Jenny before its too late” – I whispered – my mind retorted, “Idiot for driving in the dark across the field of despair”
Jenny looked astonished, she grabbed the first aid kit and applied TLC to my wounds – abrasions, bruises, 6 separate places. The pain subsided, I lay crumpled on the sofa, not to move again until I needed a snack. I started to smile – a taste of my youth, I laughed, I want to ride again.
The morale of this story is to consider riding with a light, or not in the dark, and avoid the field of despair – as that is why it is named. A helmet maybe useful too.

I have been writing some songs, and my Father In Laws recent success (starring on a radio show) – inspired to resume my work. This time I am going to offer my music for free and see if I can generate interest. My latest song is called Void – it is actually two parts. It is about a space-ship that is lost in the void! There is a sample in the music which is an actual recording of the Sun resonating in space. My sister gave me some fine-tuning ideas for part one. I think its a great song and I hope people will enjoy it. I plan on posting flyers around the college (if they let me..) – it is after all free :)

Link to RussellFIVE website

We did a number of activities this week, the weather was fantastic – we checked out the Botanical Gardens and of course Short Pump. We were having fun cruising Richmond using our new GPS system that I got for Fathers Day!! Enjoy the Video.

Some more random pictures from 2 weeks ago, aren’t they adorable? On another note – our fish tank exploded last night, well – a crack formed, and leaked a little – so they’ve been transferred to a temporary facility. Poor things.

A video to show the entire experience!

We have a few pet fish and Nicholas went up to them today and said,
“Fishys, Can I speak to you Fishys?”
I interjected – “What are you going to say to them?”
“Fishys, I am crazy”
I laughed, “You are not crazy Nicholas”
“Yes I am, Fishy, my Daddy is crazy too”
As I type this he is mumbling a story to the fish…