Boots, Bikes & Bees – What Have You Discovered Lately?

Boots, Bikes & Bees – What Have You Discovered Lately?

- in Editor's Note, July/August 2016

We’ve all met them: people who seem stuck in a rut. The older they get, the deeper the rut.

Habits are tough to break, especially when they’ve been honed over decades. In this issue we’re celebrating the anti-rut. “Discover” means to find something unexpectedly. Think about that for a moment; what was the last thing you discovered?

If you can’t think of anything, then you may pick up some suggestions from this issue. Why not start with hiking? Our region has terrific hiking spots for people of all ages and abilities. Sore knees? Lace up some sturdy boots and head to a flat trail along a lake or riverbed. Up for a challenge? We’ve got plenty of ledges and steep trails to explore, too. Our story on page 26 might spur you into discovering our parks and cities by foot.

Motorcycling is big with the over-50 crowd. I prefer to discover areas at a slower pace with my coaster-brake bicycle (which continues to be my all-time favorite gift from my husband). Yet I’m envious of motorcyclists who zip by, loaded with gear on a getaway trip. You’ll like our story about taking a quick trip by motorcycle to the Niagara region. If you haven’t seen the Falls since you were a kid, you’re in for a treat. The area is rich with wineries, great restaurants, boutique shops and natural beauty. It looks even better when experienced from the back of a motorcycle. Our story is on page 12.

Urban farming has taken off throughout the region. If you’re looking for a new hobby (and one that helps the environment), then consider beekeeping. We’ve got a profile of a couple who wanted to give their gardens a boost with better pollination. Find out what they discovered by reading our story on page 14.

Here’s what I’ve discovered recently: power tools. I’ve been a co-builder for a chicken coop I’m sharing with a neighbor. I’m embarrassed to admit that when we started I didn’t know what a drill bit was or how to use one. I watched YouTube videos to figure out how to release the blade on a skill saw. But first I learned what a skill saw is.

Other takeaways: It’s important to hang heavy things on wall studs; the forward and reverse button on a power drill seems backward to me (I’m marking it with nail polish as a reminder); never touch a Sawzall reciprocating saw blade even when it’s not moving (it’s really hot).

The good news about these “discoveries” is that so far I haven’t discovered the emergency room. I’m keeping my (intact) fingers crossed on that one.

Discover something this summer – about yourself, about someone you care about, or about Northeast Ohio. Enjoy.

About the author

Marie Elium joined Mitchell Media in 2015 as editor of Northeast Ohio Thrive, formerly Boomer magazine. A freelance writer for 45 years and a former newspaper reporter, she believes everyone has a story worth telling. She resides in Portage County where she grows flowers, tends chickens and bees and Facetimes with her young grandsons. Marie can be reached at [email protected]

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