NOMADICISTA

The first thing we did was lay out the tent sections and then lace them together.

Next, we established where the perimeter poles were to be placed, and then started hammering the metal stakes into the asphalt with sledge hammers.

I am glad that the mayor had 4 young men to help us set up the tent.

In the first picture you will see that we put some of the poles on the other side of that wooden fence.

While the outside poles are not taut yet, we put in the center poles.

The final step is to pull the perimeter tight and lash the ropes to the stakes.

This is the old guy (me) and one of the kids who helped us set up the tent.

Two views of the tent from across the street.

It is MUCH easier to disassemble the tent.

Later on that day, Zac and Mahra and I went to a picnic.

There were over 50 people. We played kickball in the afternoon. It is a fun game that is similar to softball.

Instead of using a bat and ball, the pitcher rolls a soccer ball to you and you kick it and run the bases.

A fun part is that if you are running the bases, the outfielders can throw you out by throwing the ball at you and hitting you with it.

After a few pics of people enjoying themselves, I will tell you about a lesson I learned.

One guy rode this cool bicycle to the party. I just had to take a picture of it.

AND NOW!!! The moment you have been waiting for.

My new mantra for me is: NO MORE SPORTS NO MORE SPORTS.

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The sun was shining. The temperature was in the 70s.

Many people were gathered in the grassy field.

Somebody yelled "kickball, kickball, it's time for kickball!"

As I was feeling unusually gregarious, I thought I would join in on the fun, and a fun game it was.

The bases were laid out, and the game began.

I admired the physical prowess and athletic abilities of the many people who were less than half my age.

It really did not bother me that I was semi-uncoordinated and did not make any impressive plays.

An hour into the game, someone kicked the ball in my direction.

With the fervor of a teenager, I ran to get the ball. What a sight! I can imagine how dorky I looked.

As I mentioned, looking like a dork while running did not bother me. However, what happened next is what has had a big impact on me.

Can you say sprained pinkie finger?

While I was running in this field, I fell flat on my face.

Usually I can take falls well without getting hurt. NOT THIS TIME!!!

I fell with my arms stretched out in front of me. When I hit the grass, I heard something snap in my left shoulder.

I have not felt a pain like this since I was tackled while playing football as a teenager.

Needless to say, I left the field and laid on my back while trying to assess the damage I had done.

It is now two days later, and the pain is still immense.

It sure is a challenge to do everything with one arm now.

The good news is that I have more freedom of movement with my shoulder daily.

It certainly will be a couple of weeks before I can play accordion.

Another cool thing is that there was a drum circle by the campfire that evening. There were 6 people with hand drums.

I got my mandolin out of the car and sat down in the drum circle. I found that if I held the mandolin just right, I could play it despite my sprained pinkie finger.

I first established a rhythm with the drummers by muting the strings and basically (playing drums) on the mandolin by using the pick.

In a very short time, the flow of the music was strong.

It was then that I began playing Turkish and Middle Eastern melodies.

The drummers became excited, and we jammed for twenty minutes.

Now a real fun thing happened next. Another guy sat in with us. He had an instrument I call a banjo-uke. It is a ukulele with a banjo head. The thing sounded great.

The best part came when we started playing harmony melodies. A good time was had by all.

Well, today I sit in pain. I get around it by telling myself "pain is my friend".

We ain't spring chickens anymore Rudy- old age is catching up to us!!

Seeing all those pictures makes me miss all my friends there! Tell them all I said hello and take care of your injury. I am really glad you are there and I know being around that group will really raise your spirits...just stay away from kickball and late night golf cart rides with Zack.

Good photos Rudy.
Sorry you got hurt, feel better soon.

Love crawfish!! Wish I could have come visit!!

Take care of yourself. That does not sound good.

Rudy,

You make the world look good! Great story, thanks for sharing.

Your new home looks pretty good. Hope your shoulders ready for the accordian soon.

Rufus

Rudy please consider physical therapy for your injury! Had I done so I might not be facing knee replacement.

If you think it expensive now just think of how expensive it will be to have a joint replaced, and how long the recovery will be.

You may be able to find information online to assist you but proper therapy is a must if you want to keep your original parts as long as possible. Consider yoga and/or tai chi as well. Either are very gentle, gentle enough that 80 and 90 year olds are still doing them.