I received a great present from my friend Stacie this week. My very own medical bag. Like an official, super nice, leather medical, completely stocked with most everything I’d ever need for a minor medical emergency, ie gash-type emergencies.

And plus, last night Stacie gave me a personal lesson on suturing. I have a bunch of new ways of tying the knots. My favorite is the double loop knot. That isn’t the right phrase for it, but it is a very slick way to tie off a stitch.

Stacie is very generous with presents. She sent Dennis a Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat after he saved his dog Ella as she was getting mauled by a black bear a few years ago. I’ve never seen Dennis carry the bat in the woods, but he admitted that for the first couple weeks after receiving the bat, he did his walk in the woods with it. Kind of like being in the ‘hood I guess.

Anyway, there was a house full here last night. Steve Mryland and he son Tommy, from Madison, were in the simple living lodge, Yuriy, czar of CXC Ski Team, was in the house and Catherine made a surprise appearance and is hanging with Bill and I in the Kansas Garage. So, the seating to watch today’s Tour stage was in high demand, considering that Bromont, Mena, and Hawkeye all have their favorite couch, chair slots claimed early.

Okay, going MTB riding again. Yesterday I gave my butt a rest and rode 45 miles on my road bike. Catherine brought a MTB with no air in her tires, so we have to seal them up again. It is a little tricky since they aren’t close to tubeless ready. But when they are all good to go, her bike weights next to nothing.

Okay, have a good day.

The bag itself is beautiful. Dennis said woman should carry it as a purse.

Some of the contents.

Stacie showing me the right techniques.

Me practicing.

Dennis’ bat to ward off bears.

Personalized.

Bill on the couch.

Steve Myrland smokes his own bacon and makes the claim of the best bacon in the world. He’s right.