While my twin brother is here, and he is a huge help when it comes to looking after my spouse, I still do the lion’s share of caregiving. Fortunately, my spouse has been stable for the last week, which is a good thing. However, the caregiving still takes a toll.

Besides my brother and my siblings, I have good friends who look after me. All have suggested, “do something fun for yourself and give yourself a break.”That I did today… I leathered up in layers and went for a ride with five hearty souls. We rode…

…for more than 80 miles through the backroads and byways of my home county. It never quite reached the projected temperature of 50F (10C), but was decent enough to ride, smile and have fun.

Before we took off, I thanked everyone for showing up to ride with me today. I said, “my husband has been really sick, so I needed a break. Thank you for riding with me to have some fun.” Everyone was very supportive and I appreciated that very much.

With my penchant for getting lost, asked a buddy to lead the ride so I could relax and not have to worry about leading a group astray and end up in Montana or something. I rode wing (second).[Faces blurred to protect the innocent, though these bad boys might not say they’re so innocent (LOL)]

We stopped once along the way to get coffee (hot chocolate for me, since I don’t drink coffee). Hit the spot!

I truly enjoyed getting out on a “gift day” (as I call it) when I can ride my Harley during winter.

What did I wear? Not one but two pairs of longjohns under my thick grey leather riding pants, four shirts under my Langlitz Columbia Jacket, and my Wesco Combat Boots. Why those boots? Warm (enough) and because they are lace-ups, they accommodated not one, not two, but three pairs of socks!

Hey, S, have the icebergs retreated somewhat? (inside joke for a fellow Harley-riding friend from up north who I know will read this.)

Life is short: ride for fun, enjoy some freedom, and love your brother.