Random Thoughts – D. Brent Miller

May 27, 2026June 1, 2026

Riding with wind in my face

Why do we ride motorcycles? The freedom? To be one with the environment rather than enclosed in a cage? Euphoria or adreneline? The wind in our face?

I wanted to take a photo of my Guzzi at the entrance to our neighborhood. It was Memorial Day and the flags looked so impressive. I wanted that photo.

It a very short distance from my home to the entrance to our neighborhood, but it was just enough to send me down memory lane.

Sixty years ago, I started riding on a Lambretta scooter that my dad brought home. I was 15. In 1965, there was no ATGATT. I did not even own a helmet, but I rode that scooter all over the place with wind in my face. It was liberating and exhilarating. The same was true of my first owned motorcycle, a 1963 Harley Davidson Sprint 250cc Scrambler. I was 17 and recently graduated from high school. I can’t remember exactly, but I think I bought a helmet–it would not have been a full face helmet.

Over the years, I came to realize the importance of riding gear–helmets, jackets, pants, gloves and boots. I also recognize the time to gear up to go for a ride. Even if it’s to run an errand to the grocery store.

But that short ride to take the above photo without even a helmet …. That brought back the memories and feelings of riding with wind in my face. It was liberating and exhilarating.

See you on the highway! With the gear on, of course.

Brent

March 18, 2026

Who wants pizza?

Who doesn’t like a good piece of pizza. In fact, who really turns down a slice of pizza even if it’s not your favorite. Nobody. But there are differences.

I was at our local grocery store today. This store opened about a year ago, and it is bigger than before and well stocked. In fact, it has one whole freezer section dedicated to the almighty pizza.

Wow! That is a lot of pizza! Every product from one end to the other is a frozen pizza. I didn’t take the time to count the different brands or even offerings. I just took the photo. My basket was devoid of any. I just walked on by humming that tune by Dionne Warwick, “… just walk on by.”

I suppose some of those pizzas are good, some better than others. The same applies to pizza eateries. The franchise pizza places are pretty predictable. Some are better than others. The locally owned pizza parlor that has one or two storefronts usually outshines the franchises. But, there’s nothing like the pizza that you make at home. They are always the best.

My standard pizza, whether ordering or making at home is sausage, mushrooms and pepperoni. Sometimes, I add onions and black olives. Always loaded with extra mozzarella cheese. Sometimes it’s a flat crust, sometimes the skillet. It’s always good.

What’s your favorite pizza toppings? Do you have a favorite pizza eatery?

Brent

March 16, 2026

Changes are a Coming

Greetings, readers!

It has been a while since last posting, and I have been contemplating changes. Big changes. I have been pondering the future of this web site, and have begun changes starting with a domain name I have owned for probably a decade. I have let Sojourn Chronicles dot com expire. I cannot see a future for it. I post way to often on Facebook when I should be posting here. Changes are coming.

Secondly, I am exploring moving to a new hosting platform. This is going to take some work. Changes are coming.

Thirdly, I am retired and have been for a while. I have worked as a journalist for a long time, and now, any writing or photography that I do is really for me. And, I am sharing that with you. It’s personal. You may have noticed the different pages that are now in the menu. That will be my focus. I hope you stay connected, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll share these ramblings with others. Changes are coming.

In the meantime, I’ll see you on the highway. No changes here!

Brent