I was at band practice last night in the Annex (house next to the Clarion community garden) during the torrential downpour, and the basement actively started flooding. And we were in the basement! We moved everything up off the floor, but memories of 2009 or 2010 came back to me. I remember hanging out in my basement with Tim, my nephew, because of active tornadoes (and you’re supposed to be in the basement), and then it started flooding. Good times … good times, not. A lot of friends, neighbors, and people all over Wright County (and Iowa) had wet basements today. It seems like it’s either drought or floods in Iowa -- however, I vote for an average weather year (who’s with me?!?).
A bunch of high school friends (I graduated 41 years ago) who played in a rock band with me back in the early 80s got together at a 4th of July gig. We didn’t really practice and only get together once a year, but because we know each other so well, it was harmonically beautiful. I suggested to my friend Darrell, who sings and plays guitar with us - that it’s like a bike peloton* - flowing and anticipating movement. Because we know and trust each other. Nice vibe to rock through life - surround yourself with people who share your harmony.
Ragbrai is coming up … it’s days away. Last year was epic (in both good and bad ways). So many people, so hot, so long -- but still a good time**. This year, there will be less mileage (more hills, though) and probably half the amount of people, and I predict high 70s, no rain, and a slight constant tailwind.
Soon, vacations, bike rides, and things we’ve been planning will be over, and we’ll be left with great (hopefully) memories. Enjoy your summer with those people who bring beautiful music and great harmony into your life.
*A group of bikes going fast and close together - looks really dangerous, but they know each other and anticipate movements. It’s actually very effective and efficient.
**Kind of.
