Got a new headshot. I’m still letting the hair on top — such as it is — grow as it will. But despite all my best efforts, the beard was not viable. It wasn’t just itching constantly. Even when I trimmed it back, it was itchy and downright painful. Some of the hair follicles on my face began to close up and swell. So I cut it back to the minimal length so I could see to shave all but the parts I simply cannot shave (nor grow).
We are having unseasonably hot temperatures here in Oklahoma. Before the heart problem, I never gave it much thought, but my research indicates there is now some greater risk for me with hard workouts when it gets much above 90°F (32C). The trick is to get out and ride early enough and get back before it gets too hot. Right now, it gets too hot by 10 AM. I’m substituting longer hikes as my primary workout, because I can finish that before 9 AM. Then all I have to worry about is putting an ice pack on the bad knee.
I can still drive out to Draper and take pictures of the progress on construction of the bikeway. I’m also not worried about those longer trips I was making, except for the places where a lot of hiking is necessary. Walking some is not a big deal, but climbing on rocks and so forth is ill advised in our wilting summer heat. What held me back was the sudden rise in gas prices and one final front-end part that needed replacing. It’s fixed now and I plan to drive out to a couple of lakes in the near future. Up near Chandler is a pair of lakes close together, named Bellcow and Chandler. I’m told it’s worth seeing.
I’m the overall runt of my siblings, honestly, but I’m the only one that can grow a nice beard. I don’t even think my dad can.