Date: 2017-11-05
To: Home 
Miles today: 0.0

Familiar FacesI live in a pretty small town. Not as small as the towns along the trail but small enough that when I go out, I will see people I know. I noticed that a lot of people around here have been following my journey, which is awesome. Friends from the gym, moms from school, guys from church, and fellow beer drinkers from the tap room. It is very cool to have so much support from family, friends, acquaintances and people I don't even know. Keep it up, it makes a huge difference.Football Watching I got to sit in my chair, in my living room, drink beer, eat snacks and watch football on my tv. This may sound very self centered, but man I sure did enjoy it! Go Bills!!Pumpkin CarvingI managed to talk the family into one family pumpkin for Halloween this year. If you are the pumpkin carver in your house you know what a relief this was. I was glad to be here and be able to keep the pumpkin carving tradition in tact.I Can't Stop EatingEven though my walking has gone from 20 plus miles per day to around 2 miles per day, my mind/body still thinks I'm hiking. I could eat all the time. This may become a problem, but for now I'm glad to be a able to put on a few pounds. When people see me, their first words are usually "Wow, you are little!" Just for the record, no guy ever wants to hear those words, ever.Rehab and Dad ArmsSo I did what most men would do, headed back to the gym. Joy and I decided to workout together while I'm home. We drop the kids off at school and head straight to the gym to get "swole". I could get used to this.Happy Halloween Being home, I will get to be a part of several holiday activities starting with Halloween. I got paint Olivia's (my 7 year old) face as a zombie bride. Mia (my 10 year old) was a peppermint. I guess you can say they have different personalities.Cold and AloneAt least it's not Naked and Afraid. I have been prepping for my return to the trail. It will be considerably colder and I will probably have less company out there. I made a few upgrades to gear and I think I will be up for the challenge. Down booties to keep my feet warm, waterproof stuff sacks to ensure my gear stays dry, compression socks to keep my legs healthy and more memory for my phone for more music, photos, videos, podcasts and books for my entertainment and sanity.Preparing For The FutureI have also been preparing for life after the AT. This week I have started a patent process on couple of ideas I have had on the trail. I have secured a co-author for the book I'm going to write. I have worked through a program called "Something to Say" and attended a Toastmaster meeting to build public speaking skills. Big things on the horizon!Naps and TVAnd on the other end of the spectrum, I have been relaxing. Partly because of my leg and partly because it feels good. Catching up on all the shows Joy and I love to watch and taking a cat nap have become part of my new daily routine.My Own Bed!!Over the past 3 months I slept in/on almost 100 different places. From motel beds, garage floors, tents, bunks, shelters, hostels, couches and next to a park bathroom. Needless to say, sleep has been tough to find and maintain. My bed with my wife on the other hand, has been pure heaven! That's all I have to say about that.World SeriesIn honor of my hiking partner Phillip I watched games 6 & 7 of the World Series. Phillip is from the Houston area and I was happy to see the Astros earn the title, World Series Champs!Foot/Leg ProgressMy tendinitis is getting better everyday. The progress is slow but I'm pretty sure I will be good to go on 11/25. There is no more swelling and the pain when I point my toe is minimal. I can still feel the knot outside my shin and some stretching movements reveal that I'm not quite there yet.Until next week.PS: I proofread this myself, so apologies for any errors in advance. I'm not known for my typing skills.