251/365: "The rose and the thorn, and sorrow and gladness are linked together." ~ Saadi

3 more pictures in notes above! :D

Steve and I joined our friend Michael today for a challenging bike ride up and around the "block" around our home. It isn't a square block, but eventually leads back to our home if we keep going right along the country roads. We call this "The Hill" ride because it goes up several miles with some leveling out and rolling hills, but the climbing is challenging and an excellent workout! Usually about 10 miles, today's ride was 17 miles...not much if it were flat, but quite a lot with the hills! :)

We met for the ride at a store nearby and afterwards I spent some time taking pictures of the roses that were in bloom.

Abū-Muhammad Muslih al-Dīn bin Abdallāh Shīrāzī, Saadi Shirazi, better known by his pen-name as Saʿdī or simply Saadi, was one of the major Persian poets of the medieval period. He is not only famous in Persian-speaking countries, but has also been quoted in western sources. He is recognized for the quality of his writings and for the depth of his social and moral thoughts. Saadi is widely recognized as one of the greatest masters of the classical literary tradition. Wikipedia: Saadi Shirazi

Explored on September 9, 2013. Highest placement, page 3.