Monday, June 15, 2009

How to remove a tick (apparently this works)

Subj: How to remove a tick (no joke).

tick.jpg tick image by stevezkim
Spring will be here soon and the wood ticks will soon be showing their
heads. Here is a good way to get them off you, your children, or your
pets. Give it a try.

Please forward to anyone with children... or hunters or dogs, or
anyone who even steps outside in summer!!

A School Nurse has written the info below -- good enough to share --
And it really works!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had a pediatrician tell me what she believes is the best way to
remove a tick. This is great, because it works in those places where
it's some times difficult to get to with tweezers: between toes, in
the middle of a head full of dark hair, etc.

Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the
soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for a few seconds (15-20), the
tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you
lift it away. This technique has worked every time I've used it (and
that was frequently), and it's much less traumatic for the patient and
easier for me.

Unless someone is allergic to soap, I can't see that this would be
damaging in any way. I even had my doctor's wife call me for advice
because she had one stuck to her back and she couldn't reach it with
tweezers. She used this method and immediately called me back to say,
"It worked!"

Please pass on. Everyone needs this helpful hint.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Blue Hills Mountain Bike Day 2009 Pics

bike group Blue Hills Day 2009
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20687952@N03/sets/72157619329751147/

A selection of things from the set

bike group bike group 2 bike group 1 girl of obstacle course close up

(By the way, if the set link doesn't work, try copying and pasting it from this email into your browser's address bar.)

Flickr is almost certainly the best photo management and sharing application in the world. If you'd like to see what I use it for you can check out my profile page or browse my photostream.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Happy National Trails Day!

As we all know, Saturday, June 6th is National Trails Day. Enjoy your favorite trails in whatever way you like. There's a bridge building/repair in Wompatuck. The Friends of Blue Hills have a trail maintenenance event going on. DCR has various trail work events at other parks, including Cutler in Needham. I personally am leading the SEMass NEMBA Beginner skills ride/clinic in Quincy.
Enjoy the day. Any ?? call me, as I will be away from the computer for the weekend!
Steve Cobble
781-254-8796

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Happy Spring!

Again, and it's almost Summer! Been along time inbetween posts....
Blue Hills Mountain Bike 'Discovery' day is this weekend, abit earlier than last, and in the original location, in front of the food concession at Houghton's Pond. Fitting for the event, since thats where it started, and  the event has been scaled-back,and good location for hungry bikers looking to refuel quickly.
The weather looks like it will cooperate, so that will be an improvement over some past years. We'll see what the forecast brings. People will believe anything the weatherman says, and if he says it may rain on the weekend, then bam! go the weekend plans. Lets stay in and play Wii tennis instead.........
Either way, I'll be there early with bells on.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Right up our alley......

Blessing of the Bikes – April 11th  9:30 AM

The South Shore will see a cycling event unlike anything offered in the past.  St. Andrew's Church in Hanover will hold a brief, non-denominational service, the Blessing of the Bikes.  People of all ages are encouraged to attend. Pembroke resident, Bill Sprows, has gained the enthusiastic cooperation of the Rev. Beth Wheatley-Dyson, in presiding over and hosting this event.  St. Andrew's Rev. Beth encourages and practices outreach to the local communities and she views this as another exciting opportunity to practice that.

The idea for this, Sprows relates, is based on a similar event in that is now in New York City, now in it's 11th year.  While online investigating the Five Boro Bike Tour in New York, he clicked on a few links and found himself at the Blessing of the Bikes website in New York.  It interested him because, similar to 'The Blessing of the Fleet' ceremonies in New Bedford and Gloucester, it welcomes the beginning of spring by seeking to ensure a safe season.

In March, two cyclists were injured by a hit and run drunk driver in Cohasset.  One of the victims had to be hospitalized.  Bicycle injuries are common and not all related to auto accidents.  Sometimes it's just a pot hole or a split-second of distraction.  Sprows himself has sustained several injuries on his bike, usually during charity rides.  Had it not been for his helmet, the outcome of his injuries could have been much worse.  A blessing for the wisdom to be careful and alert is just as important as the bikes.

The Blessing of the Bikes will start promptly at 9:30 AM on Saturday, April 11th.  If you're late, you'll miss it.  Cyclists should arrive with their bikes and in their normal cycling attire including helmet. (Tricycles, Skates and non-motorized scooters are also welcome)  A remembrance of cyclists injured or killed, a quick announcement and the cyclists will be off on their respective rides.  Cycling clubs are encouraged to make this a stop on their normal Saturday morning routine.  A free-will offering, to St. Andrew's Outreach Program will be made by passing a helmet.

The Blessing of the Bikes promises to be an annual beginning-of-the-cycling-season event.  Regardless of your religious beliefs you are welcome. This type of event has been going on in NYC for quite a while, and they've never heard from anyone that the event made them uncomfortable. In other words, you will be blessed and welcomed; you will not be lectured.


For information, cyclists can email Bill Sprows at bsprows@yahoo.com or check St. Andrew's online at www.standrewshanover.org for directions.


Happy Spring!

Here we are once again, ready to roll, waiting for that DCR 'opening day', hoping it may be earlier......Up until a few weeks ago, I had not ridden outside since the Toys ride. Now I've ridden Wompy three times this year, Rode Cutler once, poached the BH once for a quickie, and done a coupla 'marsh loops'.. Aside from that, as was stated in the last post, 2-3x/week on the trainer, sometimes noteven that. 
The bike is ready to roll, with a replacement front end, a Fox 100RLC from 2004, that seems to feel just right, so far. BB is new, chain is new, and I have a pair of new UST Conti's just waiting to be mounted. 
That's it.