Pondering Reality

bike pillow at the bicycle and kayak shop

The photo above is just another example of how those of us who blog come up with the most fortuitous inspirations for "blog fodder."🙄 

threadbare, literally!

We were climbing onto our bicycles one day last week when Gary happened to notice his back tire was REALLY worn down. It's one of those things you don't see unless the affected area is on the top side, in full view. He poked at it some and decided to go ahead and ride on it, stating that if it gave out, he would just push the bike home. And I would be with him. We rode our usual 4-5 miles without incident but knew this problem would have to be addressed that day.

back wheels are more complicated than front

He gave thought to changing the tire himself, but since it was the back tire, where cables and gears and such make it more challenging than the front wheel, he decided this would better be handled by a professional. 

making use of our truck

Earlier this year we bought a really good bike rack for transport to trails outside of our neighborhood, but for this effort we loaded the bicycle into the bed of our truck, tying it down securely for the trip.

some of our home decor with a bicycle theme

As best we knew, there were four options where this could be fixed. The closest one tends to be more pricey, another two have shown themselves to be good but far away. Gary called ahead to the fourth shop to verify their help and got an appointment for early afternoon.

It's refreshing and confirming to have knowledgeable people doing a job for us, people who have all the right tools, equipment, and supplies to get the job done right (and in a relatively short amount of time!). After being shown the worn out tire, the first thing the shop owner did was to hoist the bike onto a stand to hold it secure and bring it up to a good working height.

It was while the work was being done that I found a couch in the waiting area with this pillow. Perfect! In short order the old tire was replaced with a new one and we were headed back home. 

more of our bicycle-themed home decor

I have admired bike designs over the years but only as artwork. Never, ever would I have guessed they would cycle into my senior citizen years as they have. (Nor would I have guessed who would introduce this sport to me as he has.) 🥰

This brings me to a subject that has occupied my thoughts many times in my current life season. For over a year now I've had a sticky note on my desk, written to myself, that says, "Accept what cannot be changed..." It's rather easy to say that but to actually apply it takes some deliberate effort -- at least that's how it's been with me. 

my desk reminder

My research of this word, "acceptance," highlighted these points:

~ accepting change means acknowledging its inevitability, learning to adapt and having a flexible mindset

~ it involves moving focus from resistance to finding opportunities for growth and innovation

~ change is a natural part of life, so give up the struggle against what you cannot control

~ view acceptance as an opportunity for personal growth and developing new strengths

~ focus on what you can influence rather than sticking with what you can't

found at Linda's Relaxing Lair blog

https://lindasrelaxinglair.blogspot.com/2025/10/purr-therapy-behaviour-good-character.html

Hmm. That's pretty heavy stuff. Let's have a snack and ponder lighter topics.

Pumpkin Bars

A long time ago, far far away, Blondie shared a favorite recipe with our family. She calls them Pumpkin Bars, but I serve it more as a cake with almost the consistency of pumpkin pie. 

(shared from Sister who got it from 
Just Amazing)

It made a 9x13-inch pan, so over the weekend we invited friends to come help us eat it up!

Mexican Bird of Paradise

And speaking of friends, in my October 17th post titled, "A Perfect Day Date," I did not take the time to label the plants but Parakeet commented she has this flower in her Arizona landscape: Mexican Bird of Paradise. Beautiful. 

Pink Muhly Grass

And this, too. At this time of year while the north and west have all those rich oranges, yellows, and reds, we enjoy this ornamental grass with the pink tips (that often look lavender). In the early mornings we ride past this while the dew has not yet dried up. It's stunning.

Here is a sampling of what we are reading of late, much of it from our public library. We each have our own preferences, but sometimes we share before driving to the book drop.

Something I've learned from the library books: we usually come across things we already knew and sometimes things we did not, and after reading, wish we did not.

I'll be no more specific than that except to add that reading of real life choices, experiences, and the like should help us to better understand human nature. It also cements into the mind the truth that we truly do live in a fallen world.

Before closing, I'll visit the Hodgepodge from Joyce's blog. Click here if you want to join in and link up.

1. Are you a risk taker? To what degree?

Keeping this light 🤭, anyone who chooses to date, marry, and have children is a risk taker. I have done all, more than once.

2.What's your favorite candy? Would you say you have a sweet tooth?

I like chocolate but too much of it proves to be a mistake. Yes, I have a sweet tooth but I like savory flavors a lot, too.

3.Somewhere you've been recently that had you feeling 'like a kid in a candy store'?

In all honesty, I haven't really had that feeling in quite a while.

4. What do you think is the most effective way to make a positive change in the world?

Prayer. Sincere, often, and spoken with lots of scripture. After that, setting a consistently good example. And after that, choose all words carefully. I am a strong believer in this: 

Life and death are in the power of the tongue.

Proverbs 18:21

5. Do you like surprises?

Usually no. Surprises tend to be more fun for the one bringing the surprise and often the preferences of the 'surprisee' have not been considered enough.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

While we aim to live a quiet, idyllic life, sometimes our routines are interrupted by threadbare tires and packages left at the wrong house. But this verse gives us hope, if we are trusting the sovereign love of God for us:

We know that in all things

God works for the good 

of those who love Him,

who have been called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

Until next time, grace and peace.