On Saturday Margaret and I got stuck into some cleaning. Our back verandah has been a bit of a no-go area for quite some time. Being enclosed just with mesh, the dust and dirt build up over time. For various reasons it hasn't received regular attention. Mostly we pass through it quickly and store stuff there.

Anyway one of the treasures unearthed was Tim's old bike. I think at one stage we got it looked over for Josh to ride, but he never got into it. And since then it has just been standing on the verandah collecting the dust.

This afternoon I pulled it out, cleaned it up and discovered one tube needed replacing, so I did that. After I sprayed some WD-40 on the chain it was good to go.

I thought I could easily handle a 5 km ride, even though I haven't ridden a bike really in 20 years. I discovered a few leg muscles protested at this activity somewhat, and my stomach really did not appreciate being hunched over for 30 minutes. So when I arrived home I collapsed on the floor for a while.

Strange, in my fifties I can't just get up and do the things I did with no trouble as a child. And despite being 15 kg heavier than in my twenties, there seems to be less padding on my bottom.

Maybe if I keep practising I will be able to ride further and without any side effects.

Yesterday's activity was more sedate with my customary walk.

I was intrigued by these spherical flowers and finally remembered to stop and take a few photos.

Swans are back on the lake. They are always welcome visitors.

Today, just before going off for my bike ride, I discovered this cricket (I think) on our bathroom door.