This weather lately has been absolutely incredible. If the temps could be like this all summer, I would absolutely love it. My upper lip has been pretty tame so far, and if it could keep it up, that would be great. *Insert cheesy smile here*

I had a memory flashback this week, and it was nostalgic. I hadn’t thought about this in so long.

This week, we got our motorcycles out. I was extra excited this year because last year, we never got them out until September. Pretty much for the 9-11 ride and a ride or two to work. That was it. Last year was just a crap show. We had no time for anything, so I was extra anxious to get out on the bikes this year.

This week has been so nice, and on nights Kenzy is at soccer practice, I usually walk with my bestest buddy in the whole wide world, Bear. My sweet, most loveable, loyal boy. My 104-pound black lab, who loves him’s walkies so much! He doesn’t walk with a leash, he just walks right with me no matter where we are. When I say he is loyal, he is loyal and the best listener. Tuesday was so nice out, and we always walk on Mondays and Tuesdays. Bear was lucky this week, though, because we went for a walk on Sunday on the bike path. Kenzy wanted to ride her scooter and go to the park.

We got the bikes out that Monday night, so Tuesday, I rode to work, but it just wasn’t enough. I wanted more because it was absolutely beautiful out.

I then thought, “Well, why don’t I go for a ride on the bike while Kenzy is at practice instead of walking?” I did feel a little bad, but knew Bear just had a few walks the past couple days. Walking is therapy, but so is a motorcycle ride.

As I dropped Kenzy off at soccer practice, I would have just enough time to do one of my favorite rides — Rose Valley Lake. The views on the way there are absolutely stunning, and the curvy back roads with bright green trees make the ride perfect. As the bike leaned back and forth with each corner and the engine running beneath me, I couldn’t have been happier at that moment. The sky was as blue as it could be; all I needed was a t-shirt. It was perfect riding conditions.

Now, I knew they were calling for bad storms that evening, but I heard after 8 p.m. Kenz, and I would be home by 7:15, so I figured I would have plenty of time to get the bike home before the storm hit.

I finally reached Rose Valley Lake. It was beautiful as always. Like a little piece of heaven on earth, really. There were quite a few people fishing, and I passed another motorcycle on my way around the lake, stopping at my favorite spot to stretch my legs. A place where not many people park, and I can have that peace and quiet without a soul around. I love to go there and just have time with Jesus.

I have done it many times. But this time was different. I could see the sky getting darker, but something about being at the lake made the sky look pretty vicious.

I knew there were other bikes out and many fishing, so how close could it be? So, you know what I did next?

I pulled up the old faithful Radar app! I had checked it before I left and then again when I dropped Kenzy off at practice. It was nowhere near our area at that point. As it loaded, I realized it was getting much closer to us. Man, this is a quick-moving storm, I thought as I looked up to the sky. I gave myself about three minutes to stretch while enjoying the view, and off I went. As I pulled out of 973 onto Lycoming Creek Road, I saw a flash of lightning. Kenzy’s field wasn’t far away, and as I watched the sky, it dawned on me something I hadn’t thought about in so long!

A time back many, many years ago, at 18 years old, when I had just started to ride a motorcycle. As I made my way up the creek road, I thought about this moment and what I would give to have it back. I smiled the whole way till I reached Kenzy to get her and me home before this storm.

Will I make it home before the storm hits?

What is this moment I forgot about?

You’ll have to stay tuned for next week as the story continues…

Super Easy Fried Taters

Wash, cut, and dice 4 large taters.

Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan and add potatoes.

Season with your favorite seasoning. I use garlic and pepper seasoning or Tastefully Simple seasoning salt.

When the taters are about half cooked, I then add about 1/2 cup chopped onion to the mix. Continue to stir until your taters are golden brown and seasoned to your liking. I also add peppers if I have them, too! I just didn’t have any fresh that morning.

These are one of my favorites to have with breakfast! Nothing like breakfast potatoes.