The Berserker

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I have mentioned in my profile that I am a sucker for a historical romance novel having to do with Scotland or Vikings. I just finished reading one set in the Scottish Highlands and the leading man/hero was a Berserker. I've always felt the tales of the Berserkers very interesting. How did they become berserk? Were they born that way, turn that way. I've always thought of them as just a man that went into a frenzy in battle and then I found the following....... I hope I am not stepping on any copyright toes but here goes.....

A Celtic Legend

"Legend tells that the power of the Berserker - preternatural strength, prowess, virility, and cunning - can be bought for the going rate of a man's soul.

In the heather hills of the Highlands, the Viking god Odin lurks in shadowy places listening for the bitter howl of a man, brutalized beyond mortal endurance, to invoke his aid.

Legend holds that if the mortal is worthy, the primal breath of the gods blows into the man's heart, making him an undefeatable warrior.

Women whisper that the Berserker is an uncomparable lover; legend holds there is a single true mate for him. Like the wolf, he loves but once and for all time.

High in the mountains of Scotland, the Cricle Elders say that the Berserker, once summoned, can never be dismissed - and if the man does not learn to accept the primitive instincts of the beast within, he will die."

Sounds intriguing doesn't it?

-Au Revoir

" Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." - Helen Keller

Tips for the Two-Up Passenger

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We all know that when riding a motorcycle your gear, especially jeans or riding pants, has a tendency to shift. Well... sometimes crawl, as in crawl into places they really shouldn't be and at the same time moving part way up your leg from the ankle. As passengers we like to take any opportunity to adjust and rectify that uncomfortable invasion when we can. This leads me to my second tip.....

Two-Up Tip No. 2: When the motorcycle is coming to a stop do not stand on the pegs and adjust your jeans/riding gear. As the motorcycle slows down it becomes less stable. When the bike is at full speed and with a little warning to the front rider by all means stand a little, shift a little, pull a little. But please, do not do it at a stop or while just coming to a stop. Bikes and riders do not look good toppling over sideways.

-Au Revoir

"Doubt is uncomfortable, certainty is ridiculous." - Voltaire

Random Cat Pictures

In this one we'd just brought Basil home as a kitten a few years ago. A coworker of Brad's found him as a stray in her yard and could not keep him. He has been a good addition to our household. Even now 3 years later he is still 16 pounds of cuteness. You'll see just how cute in a future post.

"Squire Basil as a kitten"

appréciez
-Au Revoir

"Who would believe such pleasure from a wee ball o' fur?" - Irish Saying

Random Quote

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Here is a nice random quote from my Starbucks cup.

Mmm grande decaf soy latte......

The Way I See It #17

"The world bursts at the seams with people ready to tell you you're not good enough. On occasion, some may be correct. But do not do their work for them. Seek any jobs; ask anyone out; pursue any goal. Don't take it personally when they say 'no' - they may not be smart enough to say 'yes'." - Keith Olberman

-Au Revoir

Tips for the Two-Up Passenger

I thought I'd start a recurring post about all the things I have learned while being the passenger riding two-up. This picture is an entirely different type of two up from what I am thinking but some of the same principles might apply. There are certain things you automatically realize you should or should not do.... and there are things you learn by doing.

I will try and write as many tips as I have learned over my years of being the passenger.... one tip at a time.

Two-Up Tip No. 1: When the bike is coming to a stop, abruptly or otherwise, learn to use your stomach muscles and upper body strength to control the speed with which your helmet goes forward (if at all) as not to strike the front rider's helmet and "ring his bell". Often times this can only be learned from experience. You will know when it occurs as if done hard and fast enough, can ring your bell as well. Please engage your stomach muscles and slightly lean back to avoid any cranial disturbances for the front rider.

-Au Revoir

"Stubbornness is also a determination. It's simply a matter of shifting from 'won't power' to 'will power'." - Peter McWilliams

Random Cat Pictures

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Over the years Brad and I have come to the conclusion that we are cat people. I know there are dog people and cat people and those that enjoy the company of both. We are unequivocally cat people. 

As cat people we have taken a lot of random pictures of our cats over the years, some amusing, some serious, some downright laugh-out-loud funny. I thought I'd start a series of posts containing these random photos. Some will be of Sir Baxter (who passed away in September this year) and others shall be of Squire Basil - the current ruler of our humble abode. Occasionally we'd catch the two hanging out together, although they would never admit it.

' Sir Baxter on our office chair'

appréciez
-Au Revoir

"Cats seem to go on the principle that it never does any harm to ask for what you want." - Joseph Wood Krutch