Memory Lane...

I got out this afternoon to take a ride around the Tucson Metro area.  As I exited from where I am staying at, I decided that since I was close to a place I wanted to visit, I would swing by...

One of the old Rural Metro Stations I used to work at!  The "Olde 42"... now "72," with a new modular crew quarters next door... still right where it was 27 years ago... in the vicinity of Benson & Alvernon.  I stopped when I saw some of the crew outside.  Introduced myself and we started talking.  A lot of names were passed back and forth, and I got to tell a few stories that made this crew laugh a bit!  Brought back a lot of memories for me too... and to think... I was an "Old-timer" in the minds of these guys.

From there I headed North to another Station I used to work at...

The original "44" at Swan & Sunrise.  Shuttered, yet still there!  And less than a block away...

The new "74."

From there a quick ride to the East...

To "41," now "71" in the Sabino Canyon area.

I didn't stop in at Station 74 or 71, except to take a quick picture.  I also didn't get out to the old "45"/new "75" out East of town.  Maybe on another day.

On Sunday night, I worked in the ED, and had the opportunity to interact with a Paramedic employed by the hospital.  There was a "critical" patient that required a lot of things happening all at once.  The two of us just seemed to click into a mode, got things done, handing equipment and supplies to one another as needed, and it seemed like there was this "understanding" between us as to what each was doing, what they needed, and what the ever shifting priorities were.

Last night, this same Paramedic overheard me telling another Nurse how I used to be a Paramedic for R/M here in Tucson back in the late 80's.  The Paramedic came into the conversation and said, "I knew there was something about you last night."  I just smiled and said, "We did good last night and rocked it!  Thanks for your help."

I came to realize that this was the reason why I took this short trip down memory lane today.

Although I will never be able to re-enter it, this part of my life had a big impact on who, what, and how I am and do now.

So as I pulled out into traffic on Kolb Road, from Station 41...

I thought about a call, in which I was the Engineer that day on Engine 41, responding as the second-in Company to a working fire that Engine 42 was responding to.  There was a Lieutenant and a Reserve Firefighter on-board.  Code 3, that is emergency lights, sirens, with all of the obligatory air-horn blasts, as we responded South on Kolb Road from Sabino Canyon... right through the City of Tucson, to the County area to the South of the City... almost a full 30 minutes of adrenalin!  Yet I was responsible.  I had to get us there, safely and securely, so we could ultimately do our jobs...

I remember calmly talking to the Lieutenant about a proposed driving principle, where "big rigs..."  i.e. fire-truck drivers, never, ever, unless a true 'accident' emergency response, crossed there hands on the steering wheel.  'A turn and slide.'  He was nervous, I could tell.  It went against all his former training, when one is looking ahead, watching traffic, pulling that cable... and not knowing that I was only going 5 to 10 mph over the posted speed limit, as appropriate for conditions...  It looked and felt like I was just "screaming" down the road!

Even back then, it was known that flooring it, delayed responses ultimately.  A steady response, less than 10 mph over a posted speed limit, actually cuts final response time by about 3 minutes.  Traffic flows, stoplights, etc., one just has to get "Zen" about it and fall into it!

I rode my bike along this response path today.  I recalled and just knew the streets and the turns as they were coming up.  I had to think about lane changes though, as I didn't have the advantage of an emergency response and couldn't turn right from the far left lane... nor did it seem that very many people were yielding to my approach, I guess my bike is a lot smaller than an Engine...  It was almost surreal!


Peace!

There was a time...

I miss the old times!

Life, is simple.  Why do people complicate it?

Quick break!

I have four days before I need to be somewhere, so I decided to take a ride home.  I had left a few thing undone, needed to "redistribute" items (that is bring things back I don't need and pick up some things that I do), and in reality, just wanted to go for a ride.  So what better excuse than, "I need to water my plants."

Two hours, 120+ miles later...

My plants are watered, my mail retrieved, and I even sneaked in a 'solid' 8 hour nap!


This morning, before I left, I had the opportunity to prognosticate, in regards to weather, for a friend in Nebraska.  I'll give an update as to how accurate I was.  I also met an individual that had an interest in my bike.

He had bought a used HD Sportster 883 a few years ago for $500.00... yes, my eyebrow went up... and as we talked, I learned that he has put a lot of effort into rebuilding/restoring this bike.  Other than the machining he outsourced, he said he did all of the wrenching himself.  If true, that's admirable!  My first HD was a XL883 as well, and I loved to just wrench on it!  Take it apart, put it back together, customizations, etc.

Well, after looking at the bike, I was impressed!  It had basically, been completely rebuilt, into an XL1200!  I could tell he was, at most, a hobbyist.  The bike was trailered, and I could tell it was not "factory."

So on this reset...

I would announce that I have another ride planned in the next few days... then I begin to laugh to myself, and think... "when do you not have a ride planned!?"

A quick break, a reconnect, a few get-togethers!

Peace!

Upgrade!

Here's a pic of my "un-ordered" addition!

Something small, can hold a rag, sunglasses, gloves, and perhaps a little more...

On-board... again!

Monday morning was my "first day."  I arrived a few minutes early to my first appointment, completed the required items, and off to my second appointment.  Completed the required items and was now well over an hour early to my third and final appointment for the day... So I had lunch.  Even after lunch, I was an hour ahead of the schedule! 

Tuesday was a full 11 hours of orientation.  Does anyone remember why, way back in Elementary School, class periods were only 50 minutes long?  School lasted only 7.5 hours...  and there were at least a couple of "recesses" throughout the day and a lunch period!?  In today's age, it is called, "Information Overload."

Wednesday, was a short day for me... only 7 hours.  Then a turn around!  I needed to get back onto a night schedule for Thursday. 

Thursday night was my last "orientation" shift.  I am officially, "on-board" again.  This Sunday is my first "working" shift.

Throughout my career, I have experienced a few "orientations."  It is interesting to reflect and compare how different hospitals and systems conduct there orientation.  I also reflect on how I handled orientations when I was a Clinical Educator at a facility, compare and contrast how things have changed, evolved, and sometimes, haven't changed one bit!

So I begin another adventure!

Out and about!

This morning was a tad cool, mid 40's...

Yet, I braved it, and went for a ride around town.  Rode on a few familiar streets, thinking, "OK, I remember this... oh, look, I remember that!"  Then of course there was a few moments of, "WTF?  That wasn't there before!" And of course the, "Where did it go?!"

I marvel at how much has remained the same, yet how much has changed!  I lived in TUC for several years... attended the UofA... started out as a Paramedic here... 

As I saw the cloud band moving in, I retreated.  Didn't quite make it before the rain began...  So I stopped at a bar & grill.  A few bikes out front, figured a good place to stop and have lunch/wait out the storm.

Now, since I ride,  I can pull in almost anywhere like this, as long as it is on a bike, and be welcomed.  If I come in as a 'cager,' a brief discussion and explanation, is at hand, and usually, all is well.  Today was no exception!

I still left and rode "home" in the rain... and as I started up, I saw in my rearview, my peers...

Peace!

Turned into three!

I have been watching the weather, and decided to leave on Thursday to ride down to Tucson.  As anyone from Phoenix will attest... a wise decision on my part.  Rain started early morning today, heavy at times, a few scattered thunderstorms, wind, etc.  A secondary low is about to roll in tonight and bring the snow levels down to 4500ft!

Here, today it has been moderate winds with some gusts, light intermittent rain, temps in the upper 60's... perfect!

So here's my new part...

A "license plate protector."  On my last trip back from Yuma, I secured my backpack to the back of my "passenger retention device."  When I got home, the weight had shifted slightly and bent one corner of my license plate.  No permanent damage, quick bend back and good as new.  Yet, it spurred me to get something I have always planned on adding.  I am happy to report that on this ride, it functioned perfectly and my license plate was protected!

This was the last customization I had planned.  After seeing a few more bikes and talking with other riders, I have two more items that I want to get; one of which, I have already ordered.  The other I will look for.  Once obtained and installed, I'll share some more pics.  After that... depends on what I see and who I talk too!

The ride down to TUC was quick compared to YUM, about half the time.  I have not traveled on I-10 E for many years, and was surprised to find that they have widened many sections of it to three lanes.  Also, amazed at how much has filled in between.  I can remember vast expanses of desert, now buildings, homes, RV parks, etc. all along the route.  It used to be after Casa Grande, little or nothing.  And once past Picacho Peak, when you saw the cement plant you knew you were getting close to TUC!

After about 90 minutes, I pulled of at Ina Rd. to visit the local HD Dealership.  By far, one of the best things about riding a Harley, is the vast network of dealerships!  I got off, walked in, used the facilities, then headed to the Rider's Lounge.  Plush couches, TV, billiards if one wanted too, coffee, water, etc.  Just a nice place for a rider to take a break and relax for a bit.  It's the rider equivalent to the airline first-class lounges at airports, minus full food/bar service.  Although if timed right, one might visit when the local H.O.G. Chapter is sponsoring an event.

This morning I took advantage of the less intense local weather and ran some errands to get a few things.  Two more days to re-orient myself to TUC, try a few different routes to work, and explore a bit.  Then Monday, my "on-boarding" occurs and I officially start.

Keep warm!

A nice day to ride...

A long story short, I had a doctor's appointment on Monday.  Returned to the office on Wednesday to get some blood drawn.  It had to be "fasting," so as soon as I awoke... shower, dress, go.

Breakfast was had down the street from the doctor's office, right after the blood draw... about 9:15am.

Now, a few days ago, I had set-up a day-ride with a friend for Wednesday.  It was to be after my appointment, about a 10:00am start.

Oh my!  To get from downtown Scottsdale, to 44th Street and Camelback... literally a stop at every single traffic light... took me about as long to traverse as it did to get from 44th and CB to CaveCreek and Cactus!

Our ride started a little late.

Regardless, this was a short little ride to a favorite destination of bikers, Cave Creek, Arizona.  No other plans, other than to ride and have lunch while we were there.  So our first stop was at

When we arrived, just after noon, only one other guest.  Although a little early for me, I ended up eating some lunch.  My friend and I talked for a few hours and by the time we left, just before 2:00pm, the place was packed!  I can understand why.  Great food, good atmosphere, a little of everything for everybody.  They even have a large outdoor pond in their patio area, complete with both ducks and turtles!  The "little," as well as the "big," kids seemed to enjoy.

From here, our ride was a couple of quick, short hops, literally down the street.

Stopped in at the Hideaway Grill.  I had been there many years ago, and it seemed a lot different then I remembered.  Yet, the proof was on the walls, ceilings, posts, etc... this place has not changed, I mis-remembered.  The one thing about the Hideaway... it is a biker bar/grill!  Ride in... premium parking, everyone is friendly, view isn't bad either!  Drive in,... you either park out front or the very back, people are still friendly, and the view changes to everyone watching to make sure as the driver leaves from the back, he doesn't get too close to the bikes...
 
A couple of hours later, a hop across the street and down a bit to the Buffalo Chip for some BBQ.  As we parked and started to walk up, the smell of the BBQ and the smokehouse... I knew that even though it had only been a few hours, I was going to have to try this!  Got the sampler platter (pork, sausage, and brisket)... not bad at all... definitely worth returning to try more.

After hours of riding, talking, eating, a drink or two along the way (well buffered and more than absorbed by food... not to mention the glasses of water), a glance at a watch and it was approaching 5:00pm.  Day over, time to head back down for a final stop.  I needed to stop at BSHD, to pick up a part for my bike. I am now better prepared for my future travels!  An update pic is in order... to show off a little more chrome!

All day, my friend and I just enjoyed the riding, the scenery, and a few, very specific views...  Conversations would literally start at a stop light, continue at the next, then another, and finish at a hard-stop. 

This was a spur of the moment, mid-week, mid-day, day-ride.  One of the best kinds!

T-minus 4 days (maybe only 3)...

Yes... I had a plan...

My intention was to leave for Tucson this coming Friday.  It would have given me a few days to acclimate, find my way around, check things out, etc, before I begin my next assignment on Monday.  Not to mention Dog-Days on Saturday at Tucson HD!

However, and I will defer to my mentor Hans, I may be leaving on Thursday instead!  A friend of the family, he is a Meteorologist.  Over the years, he has always given us a few scoops... to say the least!  A few years ago, I began to have an interest in meteorology.  I asked for some advice and a few simple tips on watching and guesstimating the weather; instead, I got a wealth of knowledge!

I am thankful and very appreciative!  Hans has kept an eye on my adventures, and has given me updates and forecasts for the places I find myself in... including Haiti and Hurricane Tomas!  Which I was there for... although, just a check mark, not a cross off on my bucket list... as it took a turn and only glanced...

So, an email that says, "next chance of rain will be," immediately causes me to apply what I have learned, going out to look for myself!  Trying to see what he sees.  I am to the point that I am a day or two ahead of the weather segment on the evening news, and slightly more accurate in the long run!

I can, and have, ridden in the rain.  Obviously, clear skies are the ideal conditions.  Leaving a day early to avoid some rain, is not a big deal.  Now, I just have to be a bit more vigilant in these next few days, to make sure I don't have to leave even earlier!

A homecoming of sorts!  Returning to Tucson after 20 some odd years.  Today, I already learned of so many changes.  For example, two hospitals I used to bring patients to as a Paramedic, are now part of a larger integrated hospital system.  It will be both interesting and enlightening, to experience this destination again.

I wonder if I will run in to people I know?  I traveled further when I went to Yuma and ran into Gene.  A shorter "hop" to Tucson, yet an established history/experience... this will be both fun and interesting!

It's all relative!

For the past couple of years, I have often referred to myself as an "old man," when talking to some of my peers... yes, Scott and Gene, unfortunately you both are "older men" than I!  However; I say to you, when our peers are still in their 20's... it does tend to make one feel fatherly.  I know what the next phase is... no need to tell me...  ;)

The other day, I learned that I officially left the "invincible young man" stage.  I am now a vulnerable "middle-aged man."  I have a doctor's appointment on Monday.

So a window into my mind...

For most of my conscious life, I have felt "older" than I was.  Many of my friends and acquaintances have referred to me, noted, said, and observed, that I have a "very old soul."  I seem to be able to relate to, communicate with, remember, advocate for, etc... older times.  To prove it, and, to also show how old some of you really are...

"Stop the World, I want to get off!"  For the medically inclined, "Bretylium!"

I ride. A motorcycle.  A Harley.  Most people immediately think about a biker, biker gangs, gangs in general, outlaws... They don't think about the professionals that ride.  The doctors, the nurses, the lawyers, the CPA's, the firefighters, the EMS... let alone the individual person....

Now, ask my closest friends and family.  They will tell you that I am a "biker."  I don't own another vehicle other than my Harley.  Rain or shine... (I do try to avoid snow though) I ride.  And much to the dismay of my family and peers, rarely with a helmet.  Life is to be lived.  And if you question me about it, after 27+ years of being involved in Emergency Medicine, I will tell you a few stories...

It's all relative though...

What keeps me young, is that I realize that I learn something new everyday!

So, in the words of Albert Einstein, I end with a few quotes from him...

"There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle." 

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." 

 One of my 'taglines' is, "If you can't have fun doing what you are doing, then it isn't worth doing."

Peace my friends!