First Trike Ride Jan. 2012

First trip, 150 miles, went well.   Went to Old Town Spring, did a bit of walking, found a turkey leg, did some fried Twinkies, Cheesecake and Reeses.   Got to hang with my daughter and SIL and carry my grandson around a bit and visited my friends store, "Lauras Touch"  then took off looking for some campgrounds.     It was  cool and breezy on the bike.   We got to wear our new leather chaps and seriously they work well.   We had enough clothes on to get overheated if we weren't moving but pretty comfy at cruising speed.    Bike handles well up to 80 on the freeway.   Finally figured out how my cruise control works.   Plus our helmet intercom works perfectly.   I did threaten to turn Sandi off a couple times.
         Most of the campgrounds  seem to be closed this time of year.   We visited three places.  Cagle Campgrounds, the only one that seems to be open, and the only one actually located on Lake Conroe, was ok.   It had amenities like showers, toilets, water.    The area has had a terrible drought but the water still reached the dock, barely.   We've had a bit of rain in the last week so the open fire ban has been lifted.   We saw a several campfires.    The main thing I didn't care for was the closeness of the campsites to each other.   Another thing was that none of the sites were actually on the lake but set back quite a bit.
     We then visited Kelly Pond Camp but couldn't get down to it due to the horse traffic.   We will go back next visit and try to get there.    Stubblefield Campground was next but it was totally closed.   We think we will like that one the best as it is a bit more primitive and maybe a tad more private.

It was getting late so we headed west on 1375 till it ran into 149.    We made a quick right for 8 miles and found Drifters a biker bar in Richards, Texas.   Very hospitable and welcoming.    They have a large firepit outfront so Sandi and I warmed up for a minute before we bought a beer and a coke.   They told us about a large gathering they plan to have in May so hopefully we can go back and visit more.

We got out of there and headed south.   GPS said 50 miles to home.    Sun went down at 6:25 and so did the temperature.   Not sure what it was  but we were both glad for leather and small clothes.     The ride down 149 is really a great winding flight that I will do gladly do again.

We discovered how tired we were when we got home and laughed at our wind burned faces.   Our puppies were delighted and overjoyed to have us.

Confrontation in Business

Confrontation in Business.

     I hate confrontations.  I generally will avoid personal confrontations for as long as I can.  My friends will tell you that as they notice that I simply won't be around certain people.   I find it easier to just be over yonder when the aggressor or aggravator  is in my locale.
Business, however,  is a different matter.   Occasionally in business, I'm forced to confront someone or some entity who is strictly out for themselves.   Generally at my expense of course.
It took me awhile when I was young to slowly adapt.   I was a peacemaker from way back who believed in doing to others as I would have them do to me.   This attracted my many customers but left me open for some short sighted business people.     I found after many bruises that doesn't always work.  Some business people look at me like I'm an apple tree.   They only want the fruit and they don't care what they have to do to pluck it.   It's amazing to me that  DC Mach Inc.  has survived to this age.
I learned to recognize these particular scumbags and now avoid them if I can in my daily commerce.   If a deal surfaces, and it really has value,  then the confrontational battle can begin.   I have to deal with these less than honorable D-k Heads every so often now.
     Fine.
The trick is being ready for someone who has no interest in your well being whatsoever.  It takes a bit of practice for somebody like me.   Others get right to it with no problem.
So, here is the deal.   The vendors I hold close, know it.   I don't take advantage of them, I don't ask for too many concessions, I bend if they have a shipping problem or a cost issue.   Why? Cause we are of the same cut.  I will actively look out for that type of businessman or woman.   We should take care of each other as best we can.   Any deal we make is mutually beneficial.
What's better than that?
In business, nothing.
But those who try and take instead of trade are easily seen now.    I wish I knew this when I started many years ago.   It would have saved me a ton of money and grief.
The only advice I can give to newbies and youngsters is find an older business mentor.   It will save you much stress as you go.
There will always be that guy who will walk into your yard to steal your newspaper, or kick your dog if nothing else is handy.
He wants your stuff, plain and simple.  He thinks he has power.
Show him your teeth.