To many bikers, a major way of relieving stress is to get out on his motorcycle and go for long ride to nowhere.

With all that has been going on in my life, I definitely need that.

If you have written to me and I have not responded, it’s because…

…I have had to focus on caregiving for my beloved spouse much more lately. He just is not well, and no one can identify the cause or provide relief. Every.single.day for the last two weeks, he has been very much in need of attention and care.

Further, February and March are about the busiest times of the year at work for me. I have had to put in about ten extra hours each week at activities for my job. I like it; I am good at it; I am respected for it. But man oh man, the work is intense.

On top of that, my volunteer activities have been more than amply keeping me busy, too. The Fire Department auction last week was fun, but a major effort to carry out.

Preparing testimony and showing up at meetings of local elected officials is quite the time-suck. But in my heart of hearts, my community on the whole is better for it.

Quietely, too, behind-the-scenes, I still volunteer to teach civics once a week at my local Muslim Community Center to help prepare six young people to take the U.S. Citizenship test and be naturalized as citizens this year. I also do that at a local Catholic Charities community center weekly as well for another four people also studying to become citizens, too. And that instruction is all in Spanish — which keeps my language skills up.

Can’t forget my lovely LOLITS who want an escort by this “nice young man” to go grocery shopping. My heart melts being called a “young man.” Ha! That’s a hoot!

Then this past week, my good nature and naivete was preyed upon through intraorganizational politics that occurred with a national group on which I chair a major standing committee. That situation all but consumed my soul; ate it up and spit it out.

I hate politics. I can’t quit that group now (as much as I have a mind to do so) because I am a man of my word and I made a commitment. But once that commitment is completed this Autumn, I will let my membership expire and I’ll ride off into the sunset.

So while I am hurting from the sting of petty organizational politics, I can’t receive the usual support and consolation from The Spouse because he is so unwell. I am fortunate that my brother is right there on the other end of the phone, but it’s not quite the same.

Lastly, the weather of late stinks. Cold, wet, clammy, uncomfortable. I have not been able to ride my Harley for six friggin’ weeks! However, today we *may* have a reprieve of a mildly pleasant late winter day with sunshine and temperatures in the mid-50s (13C). IF The Spouse is stable, I want to try getting out on the Harley for some of that much-needed “wind therapy.” I may not go far; I may not ride for long; but any riding anywhere will be welcome.

Life is short: show those you love them, but take care of the caregiver, too!