As we headed for the downtown shopping area, I saw a Pennzoil oil change place and turned around to go in and see how long we would have to wait. They got us in immediately, and within 15 or 20 minutes we were back on our way. Our first stop was Swanson's Health Food Store on Broadway, where each of us had some specific things we needed to stock up on. Tayler has been trying to find the perfect solution for allergies and bloating, and I needed more Rx Bars and some toothpaste. Remy tagged along.
While Tayler continued to look around the store, I asked a clerk for a coffee shop recommendation. She directed me to 20 Below, which served organic and fair trade coffee. They also had a large assortment of gluten free baked goods. I usually don't indulge in these because I feel better when I don't eat grains at all, but this time I had a monster cookie. It was delicious, as was my decaf Cafe Miel. Tayler joined me after a bit, and we read our books for an hour or so.
Around 1 p.m., we revisited the Great Northern Bicycle Shop where Remy's new cart had been delivered. The box was heavy. I bought some bicycle gloves with full fingers, since the high temperature tomorrow is supposed to be in the 40s. We crammed the cart (in its unassembled state) into the car and headed to the Smiling Moose Deli for lunch. Breakfast was served all day, and I had a lovely scramble (which would have been in a tortilla wrap if I ate tortilla wraps). Tayler had soup and half a sandwich. Prices were very reasonable.
Having finished our business in Fargo, we drove south and west to the (very) small community of Enderlin, ND. Enderlin has one motel. Fortunately, it is quite comfortable. I spent the first 45 minutes or so after our arrival putting the cart together and trying to attach it to the bike. I was easily able to assemble it, and I gave Remy some rides around in the parking lot, pulling it by hand. He likes anything that includes treats, which this process did. When it came time to attach the cart to the bike, however, I was not as successful. The clerk from the motel has recommended a place in the village where I may be able to get some help tomorrow. Or it may just take Tayler lending a hand. It was difficult, especially in the cold, blustery wind, to keep everything upright and stable as I tried to attach the trailer, which required removing the rear wheel and screwing a plate from the end of the cart handle into the axle (if that makes sense). I ended up bringing the completed trailer and the bike into the motel room to finish reassembling the rear wheel of the bike.
Tayler still wasn't feeling well and fell asleep, so I went in to the TraxSide Cafe for supper alone (well, with Remy). After looking over the menu, I said to the waitress, "I'm gluten free. The sirloin tips with French fries look like they'll work if they're not treated with anything." She said that should be fine. At my first bite of meat, I knew there was something in or on it that I shouldn't eat, but I ate it. Trying to be polite, I guess. By the time I had left the restaurant and gotten in the car, I was beginning to feel that urgency that the Crohn's-challenged know. I was repeating my control mantra, and then I got back to the hotel and found I didn't have my key. I made it, but I realize I have been spoiled to this point, for the most part, by the places we have eaten. I have a feeling this part of the country will not be so easy on the digestion. I plan to do a lot more grocery store shopping.
Tomorrow, after I get some help attaching the cart, I will ride as far as the wind and my determination will allow. Our planned stop for tomorrow evening is Gackle, ND. The prediction for the next 2 days includes westerly winds around 20 mph, the third day at 11 mph, and after that some easterly winds for a couple of days. The only rain in the forecast is for overnight tonight, but the next couple of days look pretty cloudy and relatively cold for this time of year. I guess we're all getting that.
I find that my spirit has adjusted. Where I am is where I am. Enderlin. Gackle. Driving. Biking. Walking with Remy. All is well.
No comments:
Post a Comment