Yes, one of my absolute favorite Marine Corps mottos. No, this is not going to be one of my all-too-common USMC homage pieces. Promise. Semper fi. Whoops. Sorry. Onward.

It’s been quite the incredible last month or so. I’m 67, 68 later this year. That’s hardly old by today’s standards, I know. Still, there have been days when I wondered if I’d ever get to go back to some things I love. Things that are my strengths, and things that are just plain fun. All have brought me great joy in the past. Gone.

Three of those things are coming back to me and I’m thrilled.

Acting—Adapt.

I wrote recently about my previous acting opportunities. There I considered whether I should just give that up. Not two weeks after I wrote that, I was asked to read for a part here in Galena. I got one of three major roles. It was a very simple production, put on with excellence. The feedback I received was that I did well, even with a British accent. And it did feel good.

Now, not a month after that short-run play, Patty and I were both asked to read for an upcoming Christmas radio play. We were both cast in the show. This time, a strong southern accent is required. Mine comes out as a cross between Andy Griffith, Jim Varney, and all my Kentucky family. Again, a simple production but we are excited. I’ve made some progress in my new hometown.

I’m still something like an actor. And it’s still a blast!

Teaching—Improvise, Adapt.

Some of you know of my five years or so serving as an adjunct instructor of Communication at Purdue Northwest in the evenings. My time in the classroom was an incredible treat for me. I absolutely loved teaching. It seemed to use all my gifts and abilities. My health issues and a move has kept me out of any kind of classroom for years.

After I retired, I tried to get a teaching role here in the Galena/Dubuque area. The small schools around here thought my experience was too stale and I only have a Master’s degree. Seems there’s a glut of PhDs looking for a gig. I was about to give up when…

My dear daughter Valerie is heading up a program in her church that offers structured courses for homeschooling families. It’s called “Bluewater GO! Homeschool Hybrid Academy.”  They will offer several courses to the families who will take the content shared in the one-day-a-week classes and use that to teach their kiddos the rest of the week. Valerie and her family live in Sarnia, Ontario so the travel there every other week might be a challenge for Patty and me but so worth it!

Valerie offered me the course, “Writing & Rhetoric.” Perfect. First, it’s an opportunity to be with my daughter. Priceless! That alone would grab my attention even if I was going to teach, “The Fine Art of Juggling Balls, Rings, and Clubs.” Of course I’d love to teach that, too. Maybe as a PE elective. Second, writing & rhetoric is subject matter I love. And third, I will return to the classroom!

I’m still something like a teacher! I can’t wait.

Riding—Adapt, Overcome.

If you’ve known me awhile, you know I love to ride motorcycles. I’ve owned one on and off since 8^th grade. I sold my last one several years ago mainly because we then lived in Schaumburg, Illinois. I rode to work daily on Chicago’s high-powered raceways and test tracks (also called expressways). Even the city streets were nearly always congested. I had several close calls and near-misses with cars and trucks. Sold the bike. Just too dangerous.

Years passed but I always thought about riding in the wind again, missing my bike. Health concerns appeared along with balance issues to keep me on four wheels. But after moving to Galena, with a lot less traffic and lots of hills and winding roads, I started thinking about riding again. Then, two friends were part of the motorcycle club escort for my Honor Flight a few weeks ago.

Now I was really interested. I found a nice Honda just like the one I sold. Perfect seat height and foot peg position. I got on it, shifted into gear, and…just sat there. I didn’t trust my balance. There I was, in front of Patty, the bike owner, God, and everyone. Frozen in place. Motor running, in gear.  So stinkin’ embarrassed. So very sad. So disappointed. We drove home bikeless. I thought it was all over. I was really down about this for more than a week. I felt like Toby Keith’s lyrics to “Don’t Let the Old Man In.” I had kicked open the door and let that old rascal in. Not happy.

About a week later, Patty mentioned a Can Am. It’s a three-wheeler. I’ve always been interested but never tried one. I thought they were way too expensive, some costing more than our Subaru. I took a look. Went to a dealer and learned about the Can Am line. I saw a Can Am Ryker. Smaller, sportier, lots cheaper than the Spyder  . They didn’t have one I wanted. I saw an ad posted for a 2023 Ryker 900 with only 45 miles on it. Wow! Ultimately thousands less than a new one though this one was like new.

I took a quick test ride and I was sold. Balance issue solved. Fun flying down the road restored. My friends have invited me to join them on club rides. And the fact that this thing looks like something created by Wayne Enterprises is not lost on me. I now have a vehicle that can easily be dressed up for my Batman’s Bat Cycle for parades and events.

I’m back in the wind! Even a trip to Walmart is great!

Wow. Thanks to God!  Thanks to Patty and to Valerie for your love and encouragement. I feel incredibly blessed to have acting, teaching, and riding back in my life. “Ask yourself how old you would be if you didn’t know the day you were born…” Indeed. I fully embrace my youthful spirit.

This calls for a power-packed “OOOOORAH!” Couldn’t help it. It’s deep. Way deep.