It's been an "off" week for me with my gadgets:

1) On my way to work on Monday I got a flat.
2) My mp3 player died on me, had to send it in for a replacement
3) My PC's DVD drive died on me. Although I replaced it, my PC then died and refused to boot!

Well, had a colleague at work pick me up on Mon. so I could get to work. Took the bike in to get the flat fixed at lunchtime. A matronly-looking, knowledgeable, Rosie-the-Riveter type of lady fixed the flat and was very helpful with some of my cycling equipment questions. Found a used water bottle holder and a used under-the-seat pouch for my spare tire and a few little things for only $5 each...would run around $20 each new! Nice to be able to carry two water bottles now for my longer trips! She also tipped me off on using thicker tubes for my tires than what the manufacturer calls for. The usual tubes aren't a whole lot thicker than a balloon! This alternative was at least three times thicker. I'm hoping not to be troubled by another flat for a while...ugh! That is the drawback of the thinner, touring cycle tires as opposed to the heavier duty mountain bike tires.

Got my pc back today. They could find nothing wrong with it! Booted fine! But still charged me forty-some dollars to run diagnostic tests...grrr! But good to have it back.

Got my mp3 player back today too! Woo hoo! Back to waltzing with my reel mower! :-)

Mowed my lawn today with my push reel mower MINUS mp3 player (had to charge it up)...had let the grass go a bit too long had to give it some OOMPH as I jogged along! Worked up a BIG old sweat! 90 mins. usually has me finishing.

Getting ready for a longer bike ride both tomorrow AND Sunday!

Have a SPARKIN' weekend everyone!

Don