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At an elevation of 5,048 feet, Newfound Gap is the lowest drivable pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Newfound Gap’s recognition as the lowest pass through the Great Smoky Mountains did not come until 1872. Arnold Henry Guyot, a Swiss geographer, measured many Southern Appalachian elevations. Mt. Guyot, the second highest peak in the Smokies, takes his name. He used a simple barometer to measure changes in air pressure to calculate mountain heights. In most cases he was within 2-3 percent of current values. His work revealed Newfound Gap as the lowest pass through the mountains, displacing nearby Indian Gap. A new road followed, and it became the forerunner of Newfound Gap Road.
Today’s photo is another from Dutch Roth – taken at Indian Gap.
If so, then the visual herein is the choice of marks to add into the collection (six total). Shall we begin?
The Rainbow Falls Trail is fairly challenging if completed all the way to Mt LeConte. Allow an hour and a half to Rainbow Falls and four hours to Mt LeConte. Hikers will gain nearly 4,000 feet in elevation by the time they get to Mt. LeConte. The photo is another by Dutch Roth – and it’s spectacular. I doubt we’re going to see the Falls frozen any time soon. When was the last time we experienced zero degree days – five or six in a row? It will be a long time before Rainbow Falls is frozen again.
The regional photographer, Dutch Roth, snapped many, many photos of the National Park and specifically Tremont. Today’s photo is wonderful in that it captures the spirit of the mountains while under a blanket of snow. The black and white format gives this photo a richness rarely seen in mainstream photography. Particularly because of the simplicity and sheer scenic emersion of the forest. It’s truly a great photo. Enjoy.
PS. The Duchess is my TT bike and she absolutely loves the trek to Tremont. Sorry for that confusion.
And another one seems better than a single. Right??? This is ‘purrific.’ Since Ms. S has approved ear piercing, let’s go whole-hog and approve the placement of a small tat somewhere. I suggest the upper left shoulder. Seems a logical place. I might also suggest that when the tat is applied that we provide some Jack Black (not the card game) to minimize the pain. May I suggest some Coca-Cola with that Jack-Black?
Since we’ve got one, let’s get two. And when you’re seven (!), two tats are better than one. It’s definitive.
The weather was brisk at 10AM today.
Yet, I saddled up — — all suited up and went for a bike ride. “There goes that nut” is certainly the commentary shared by several cars passing me along the way. To those fat, morbidly obese people I have a simple message: find a diet, stop smoking, eat healthy, don’t drink so damn much and get out and see the world. Funny how people discount their “symptoms” as “the way it is” — and firmly believe their “symptoms” have nothing to do with their lifestyle. I could go on here — but I’ll refrain.
Ok then. The very thing I enjoy most is seeing the world. Today I saw four hours and 80 miles of my local area called Blount County. Nicely done except for the dogs who obviously reflect their owners’ attitude toward people in general. Other than that it was cold. A National Park Ranger stopped and chatted some while I was in Tremont. She was very nice and talkative. This interaction made the ride even better. Why? When the poe-poe say something other than “put your hands on the wheel,” it’s a good thing.
The mecca of my world has a video today. Outta here.
With a connection to the University of Tennessee I have access to the Oxford English Dictionary – online. What a real treat this is … and I’ve just learned how to access the site. One of the first words on the list – Hawaiian. Ahh, a little Aloha in our midst (imagine that).
A. adj. Of or pertaining to the island of Hawaii, or to the whole group of the Sandwich Islands in the North Pacific.
B. n. 1. A native or inhabitant of Hawaii. 2. The language of Hawaii, belonging to the Malayo-Polynesian group.
There is enough in just one word that an entire blog might be the best route for sharing its meaning. The Sandwich Islands. North Pacific. Those are interesting words … British for sure. Named in honor of John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich. Captain John Cook discovered the islands and unfortunately found his untimely death there. Oh well. Don’t mess with Hawaii is what I say. Aloha.
Knit > a. trans. To tie in or with a knot; to tie, fasten, bind, attach, join, by or as by knotting. With cogn. obj. to knit a knot. arch. and dial. Dating back to c1000 (!) – many balls of yarn ago. 2. trans. {dag}a. To knot string in open meshes so as to form (a net); to net. Obs. Daing to 1290.
Ok – knit a stitch or purl something – it’s timeless and important.
Thank goodness for my new hats.
I recently heard some good news from my distant aunt that she does not have cancer – yeah. But in the elation, she lost interest (I think) in the book, “Every second counts,” by Lance Armstrong. I had hoped she would read it – but I’m not sure if that’s on the short list. In any case, it’s a worthy read – if you’re the reading type.
The (soon to be) attached photo is terrific – as it gives you the fluid motion of what the Tour looks like in a single frame. The motion and weaving is snake-like, and while beautiful, it is ultra dangerous in the rear of the pack. I know – I’ve been on the back of a large train of riders and the motion is exaggerated as if the front is whipping its tail.
In the Edgar Soto last year – on the last day of the four-day race – I was in the lead group but in the back of a 40 person field. As we were approaching the final climb of the day the front surged wildly and the “tail” whipped around corners – with riders veering off line … close to the edges of the road and one another. Oncoming traffic doesn’t stop and if you’re riding the yellow line it’s easy to be hurled into a car at 35mph. On the last corner before we turned up the climb, gravel made the middle of the road somewhat dangerous … and in a corner even more so. Naturally the pack flared to each side and several riders touched wheels. This sent 8 guys to the ground. I had to basically stop my bike in order to keep from going down. Catching the guys ahead was impossible at that point. Why? If I “time trailed” and caught on – I’d be in the red zone going up a 2 mile climb. My day was done.
Lessons are sometimes hard to stomach. However, a lesson learned that didn’t include road rash is one I’ll take every day. Peace out –
My day started at 5:20AM when I packed my bags and began the trek to UTK. I was working out at 6AM as normal. Tuesday’s mark a serious leg routine that pushes me. I’m glad TREC is unpopulated at 6AM! LOL. When I left TREC, the rain had frozen and it was icy. I slipped when I attempted to obtain a parking pass at College Park. Classes were 2 hours late … so I went to the office. From there, I left at 9:45 for Ames’ house.
I spent the day at Park West Hospital – helping take care of the BGE. Ames was in for some outpatient surgery and I was there to support her. This was an interesting experience because it was the first time in my life that I was on the “support” side versus the knife-side. Park West is very nice – and new. Valet parking at the front door (no tipping), new lobby, excellent eatery with lots of healthy choices, friendly (!) people and well staffed. I took time out to chat with Ames’ doctor after the procedure – which lasted thirty minutes. (The discussion about her procedure.) As we shifted the conversation to health care, the rising costs of health care, China and India and their potential lead in world dominance, and technology the conversation broadened to several interesting paths including robotic surgery, consumer knowledge of healthcare procedures, collegiate use of campus libraries, translations of words in the Bible, the OED (Oxford English Dictionary; which I own the two volume set), and what we should be doing more of (and less of) in life, etc.
This was a pleasant surprise and certainly unexpected. Physicians usually “cover off” and get on with business. Dr. Darling wasn’t about to leave without sharing a few insights into his life – and that was very nice.
I’ve enclosed a flower today for Ames. It’s certainly pretty. The flower is Plumeria – a luscious smelling beauty. This is a bit of Aloha on an icy, rainy, surgery-oriented, long day. Whew.
Interestingly, I learned on my first visit to Hawai’i there are no private beaches. I take exception to that factoid because the Robinson family (who owns Niihau) is totally private. So – I assume the no private beach rule applies to the other islands. Basically Hawaii is open to the public, however most visitors just go to the one closest to their hotel. For a more private experience all you have to do is leave the hotel district and explore less crowded beaches. You will find the sand, surf, breeze, reef and views change greatly as you explore each new beach.
In Hawaii there are soft white sand, black sand, gray sand, and green sand beaches, but not all types of sand are found on each island. The color depends what the sand was created from. In Hawaii the term ‘black sand beach’ is used only for beaches with a high concentration of grains of black volcanic glass. The black volcanic glass is created by molten lava flows entering the cool ocean causing the glassy rinds to shatter. True black sand beaches are only found in a few locations on the Big Island and near Hana on Maui. Today’s photo is a from a beautiful green sand beach on Hawai’i. Let’s start by applying some sunscreen. Aloha.
Really, today was the first day you might say was “cold.” All day it was b-r-i-s-k. By that I mean you could see your breath in open daylight and the burr factor was sub-20. Yes my friends, it was cold today. Even the BGE got out with the “Future of Cute” MG and walked for an hour. I suspect their jaunt was to scout potential new palaces for the clan. Even the princess earrings didn’t keep MG from taunting the cold air!
Today’s warm wish of sunshine is from Sunset Beach Park which is two miles in length and very wide. This is a pristine snorkel or swim area on Oahu. It’s just lovely – the water that is. Best keep anything of value on you – or OUT of your car. I would suggest that you bring little to nothing and just enjoy a good book. No matter – it’s a beautiful beach.
Aloha.
… than my hands on the bike today. After 4 hours on the back roads of nowhereville, I was hankering for food, a hot shower and a huge nap. I got two of three. Duties around the house kept me going for another four hours. BLAH. I vote for a four-day work week so we have one full freekin day to do chores.
Nuf said. The photo was warm – right?!
Time – the one thing we cannot buy. The one thing (is it a thing?) that is worth more than life itself – to many people. Time is that little second-hand sweeping around the dial 60 clicks per minute, 3,600 per hour, 86,400 per day, 31,536,000 per year. Sounds big when you count every second.
An aunt from my extended family has recently learned the cancer in her body has “come back” and it’s not a good thing (is it a thing?). The PET scan gave one view – and the CT and MRI are completing the picture next week. I suggested to her that she read, “Every second counts” by Lance Armstrong. Not because I had nothing to say – on the contrary I’m highly familiar with PET, FDG and I personally know the co-inventors of PET. So I had a strong interest in what she learned and what I know. Sharing and communicating is important because it keeps her thinking and remembering that others are out “here” – with her.
Had I taken time to talk with her today, I would have asked the question: “what would you do differently if you had the opportunity … I mean, if you could do anything different?” A portion of her answer (I am willing to bet on this) would be enjoy more sunsets and do so with someone special.
After reading Lance’s book I realize one thing is for sure: the second-hand is ticking. Best make good use of it.
Besides the office I made time for a little mental vacation. Right on. I’ve attached some fun images that are just that – for fun. These are small because the “travel poster” sites won’t allow you to view the larger images without a watermark.
Whatev. I’m got the a few to share. I like the one above with the hula girl and the funky island image. This travel poster/postcard is a Waikiki setting with Diamond Head in the background.
Here’s more surf from Waikiki (Honolulu) to give you the old world view of Hawai’i.
ALOHA!
Some years ago I worked for a person who told me about themselves in the very first meeting. Rude, crude, avoiding, condescending, egotistical, and manipulative. Lacking social manners and the ability to be courteous, it was evident this person was either abused as a child – or had some screw turned a little too tight and their view of the world said, “it revolves around me.” I endured several years tolerating the behavior and a mean-spirited attitude toward me – and my team.
I spoke with a colleague about the situation and he offered some simple but profound advice. He said let it go. By that he meant that everyone now knows the truth – and it has nothing to do with me as a person – therefore let it go. Interestingly, I saw in his face the pain that I had felt for so many years. What I heard was a friend weighing in on the issue – to help me let it go.
It worked. I went home without a care in the world. I felt like a huge burden was lifted. Like most days, the photo has nothing to do with my post. Imagine that (LOL). The sunset was pretty kewl today – as it was on the Big Island I’m sure.
Each and every person you know is a resident expert about themselves … living within their body. I learned (or relearned) an important lesson on Tuesday: when people tell you who they are – believe them. Truly believe in what they are saying about themselves. As such, each person can convey who they are, what they stand for, if they possess integrity (or not), are they egotistical, can they be honest, do they enjoy pushing buttons, can they work in a team, are they authentic — or fake.
How often do we discount what we observe, hear or feel when interacting with others? I believe it occurs regularly with little regard … or without giving it a second thought. Most often I find myself seeking the good traits and avoiding the offensive ones. However, I usually know the moment “when” a person communicates who they are. The more difficult mental hurdle is accepting what we know to be the truth. Again, people will tell you who they are, just let them. If they tell you that they are: egotistical, manipulative, condescending, a liar, fake, hateful, a ‘gamer’ or anything else that would eliminate them from your friends and family circle – let them go.
I’ve reflected on an image for today that feels pretty good – it gave me hope that sunny days are just around the corner. More sun than rain. More hope.
Peace
The Kona sunset today was wonderful. Yes, can you imagine being there – or what?! This photo is so peaceful and inviting. It caps the day you wanted to enjoy, but were bundled up in warmies while pacing through a day at the office.
What I thought about today was the sun setting on my face not on my iPhoto storage bank of images. I contemplated drinking some Kona coffee in the morning, and a trip to Captain Cooks’ monument mid-day, and we’d best pack a lunch with some cold beer too. The afternoon sums up with a drive along the Kailua-Kona coast. Ahh, that puts a smile in Aloha.
Right on.
Miles. Yes. 100 miles. That’s a century according to most cyclists and it’s a distance that you cover when you have nothing better to do. Well – sorta. Today wasn’t 100 miles – but a nice 39 up the foothills and back again. The weather was warmer and nice – and few cars were out. The smoke in the distance looks as if someone is using mesquite to warm the house. HA.
I stopped on the way home to capture some nice photos — to share the moment. Life moves on, so enjoy it.
Molokai. The small island between Maui and Oahu, just north of Lanai. In the shape of a fish, it’s small enough to cover by car in under a day. However, most of the roads are secondary and you’re likely to come upon farm machinery equipment traveling the same roads. Traveling is slow … and images like I have today are common. Umm, good excuse to soak up the views.
Back in the day (even now), Molokai was a retreat for criminals looking to avoid the law on Oahu. When 5-o sent out a posse seeking a criminal-in-flight, Molokai was the usual landing place. Unlike the Federal Witness Protection program that places so many people on Hawai’i (the Big Island), Molokai harbors some tough folks.
With an interesting history, Molokai was known as a leper colony in the 40’s. Thousands of people were quarantined from the islands and sent to Molokai. Today, most have died with graves outnumbering people 200 to 1. On the Kalaupapa Peninsula, there is just one road – it’s narrow and desolate. There are no schools, no children, no movie theaters, no sunbathers on the beach, no restaurants or supermarkets. It’s the Hawai’i of yesteryear.
Another trip – another time …
What a week. I feel exhausted from all of the highs, lows and no-shows. And somehow lifted by the fact that the sunset was really beautiful today. Reminding me – this too shall pass.
Peace.
Jumping rock – the spot that gives you more than a view of the Pacific and the North Shore – it provides a quick thrill of leaping into the water as it swells toward the shore. Look closely and you’ll notice the ants on the rock are not ants but crazy folks who love the thrill. The parking lot to access Waimea Bay Beach is typically crowded – and parking up the road along the guardrail gets you towed to some remote portion of the island. Whatever. Just pull in and wait like everyone else … you’ll be glad you did.
Aloha.
What a day. It ended last night at 11:30PM. It started today at 7AM. And at Noon today – we called it a wrap.
I calculated over 660 people-hours getting prepared for “today.” If I attempted to give you the all numbers for this pitch it would take several paragraphs. Suffice it to say – we worked hard for the last three months preparing for today.
Yes. We raised the fucking bar.
No matter what – we raised the bar with a 1.5 hour presentation that made one person mad … the very person who wanted “the” presentation. Why? Because our team delivered the goods. Today was our Super Bowl and the way I calculate it, the score swayed in our favor.
We did our best.
That feels good saying those words. We did our best.
There are so many people to thank: DJ for keeping it real – and fun and making sure the interactivity was spot-on. Nickie-Nick – super-bad-ass-creative-director – for staying cool and focused – and for creating the vision of the mountains. Ricky-Rick … with a Ph.D. in Photoshop and Sound Design – and god of iMovie … whoa. Rob-ster – for being a cool-collaborator and instrumental to the balancing act. CT – the steadfast vet of ads who is Mr. Authentic. Steve-O – Mr. Man-on-the-street. Guy and Cyn – King and Queen of monetary acquisition … cause they spend the money efficiently. Then the supporting cast is HUGE. No way we made 1/9/08 without: CP – who kept her kewl the entire time … things moved! Jeffy – with a slick webster approach that was eye poppin’. Kymmy-Kym … did you say the Olympics have a speed show for Shoppin (her motto – “Gold medal is not good enough”). Paul-ster – sly on the words and the man who wears camo when he delivers guerrilla ideas. Lest we forget Cave – cause DVD-dom isn’t done until he’s done. Amy – behind the scenes Duchess of Interactive. Barbara – the peaceful side of Meetings & Conventions. Sam-ster – fun with the camera and special effects-man. Jacob – the man, the web, the magic. Art – quietly contributing a difference. Lori – analytic Ph.D. with smiles that lift us all. Brian-P > the cacophony of spots rang loudly. Ellen – with helpfulness in spades. Gosh, then we meet the real Mr. McGiver (his stage name is Keith) – the man, the conqueror, the “knows-no-impossible” magic man.
This group of people work liked a team, performed like a team, supported each other in every way, gave creative feedback and input to improve our work … gave of their personal time … and did one thing no one can contradict: we raised the fucking bar.
The photos for today have nothing to do (whatsoever) with this post. I rode to Tremont after our pitch – because the mountains were calling me. I hooked up with a couple of friends and we put the pace on “race.” I averaged 20 – to and from Tremont … which included a little meandering here and there. Yes, it was fast. Maybe my race legs showed up – bowed up – because we … did you hear … we raised the fucking bar.
Nuf said.
It’s been crazy today.
I’ve thought about nothing more than work. Most of a day. Earning my keep has kept me from contemplating Kona … or any other warm place. The weather today was ultra-warm and so inviting. My bike hugged the roof rack as though it was ready to go … but my butt never sat on it. The warmth of the air was a signal to the chain to consider what kind of torment I might throw at it – but alas – nothing. I thought about it – and didn’t go.
For most of my working-life I make time for riding … even when the days are long and tight on time. Today I missed riding. A lot. Although I hit TREC early, and my time there lasted only 1.5 hours. I needed 3 hours today. Oh well, I’m glad I got up at 5:20 and was working out at 6AM~!
At high noon tomorrow my soul will rest some. So much will be behind me – and my team. I’ll take time to find my way to Tremont – the place I call my personal Mecca. I hope it will give me the respite I’m seeking. I know Friday I’ll have the time for sure.
The photo today is great. Enjoy.
That’s about all I want to say regarding today. The sunset was lovely, seeing the BGE was terrific and I’m glad I’m healthy.
The list of reasons why I could be unhappy, sad or even depressed are many. I’ll pass on sharing them. All of the “no’s” came that today suggest one thing- they came all at once!
This is the very time I sit back enjoying a Sam Adams and contemplate a little Aloha.
Peace.
On Mauna Kea – it snows a lot. The University of Hawai’i Institute of Astronomy is located atop Mauna Kea – the world’s largest observatory for optical, infrared and submillimeter astronomy. Several key telescopes are located there – the Subaru scope, the Gemini scope operated by several countries, the 2.2-meter scope operated by the University of Hawai’i, the James Clerk Maxwell scope (the king of submillimeter scopes), and another nine (yes, N-I-N-E) scopes are located there. Some of the scopes are beautiful and appear to be located on another planet due to the texture of the surrounding terrain.
Today’s photos are taken from — you got it — Mauna Kea .. where it DOES snow. Imagine, just a few miles away you can get severely sunburned on the beaches of Kona or stay put and enjoy the snow. Aloha takes on a new snow-bunny meaning.
Yep, it was cold yesterday morning. However, with a 1/2 day workday coming, I had to get my happy (not) ass out of bed and get going. I started off with a 1.5 weight workout prior to the ride. In addition to the ride, I had a few other Saturday morning tasks to complete. Once again I almost turned around before I started. The neighborhood bully-dog came at me while traveling up the street. Hell, I wasn’t three driveways from home!
I made a left turn and a punk kid ran a stop sign without even looking. I elected to slow down and give the car the right of way (smart thinking). As he passed I shared my enthusiasm for his driving expertise. As loud as I could. So loud his passenger (what looked to be his little brother) heard me. After another four dogs tagged along “wanting to play” – I wasn’t in any mood to ‘play.’ I don’t mind the doggies who have a little run behind me or beside me and bark some … no worries. But when they lower their head and flap those ears back, I would rather get off my bike and walk. This added up to enough crap and I was ready to call it quits-for-the-day. On my way home, I stopped long enough to capture the photo of the day on River Road. I like winter but I’m ready for spring.
My normal 8 hours was reduced to 5.something when I awoke at 3:30AM … reflecting upon the Friday that I “knew” was coming (and it did – in spades). All of the mental techniques I’ve acquired over the years of wrestling with sleep/career issues didn’t seem to work. It was super-difficult to turn the computer off (my brain).
My golf coach taught me a visualization several years ago that works 8 out of 10 attempts. The technique involves visualizing the word “off” with keen focus on just that word. More often than not this technique will shut down my brain and I drift to sleep. Last night fell into the minority. Ok.
A few years ago my life coach gave me another visualization technique that involves focusing on the word “sleep.” Simply focus on the word and nothing else. Nope – that didn’t work either. Then I went to step three (CODE RED!) – and that meant focusing on a photo of a place that is peaceful (according to my definition of peaceful). I conjured up lots of Hawai’i images (like the one seen today) but I skipped around my mental photo album so quickly that I knew the technique wasn’t going to work.
I then did the unspeakable – I looked at my watch (Oooh – that’s bad!).
The worst thing possible is looking at the time – it then changes your mental focus to the sleep you’re not getting. The IronMan watch read: 4:40AM. I was toast at that point. Keep in mind that I get up at 5AM or thereafter most days of the week. With all my mental-might I summoned one last thought: the smell of the ocean. I tried to imagine the smell of the ocean as if I were near it. Within 10 minutes (guessing) I was fast asleep.
I didn’t get enough sleep. Baby go wagghhh.
See you later.
The visual today is of the Puna Coastline – on the Big Island of Hawai’i. Man, can you dig that surf, the wind, and imagine the warmth.
It wasn’t as cold outside today as it was yesterday, but cold enough to make you wish you were somewhere warmer! Me too. I’ve thought a lot about warmth, about eventually living there, about my vacation on the Big Island later this year. About being there for much more than 12 days. Even about working there and enjoying a simple life that is far from what I know here in east Tennessee.
For now, I’m going to get up in the morning and head to the office. It’s filled with people that challenge me to think, interact and perform with creative flair. When UTK starts up I’ll be in front of 25 freshman who are – for the most part – wanting to learn. I’m required to think, interact and present with creative flair.
If I truly “knew” that Hawai’i would allow me a lifestyle similar to what I experience on the mainland I would begin the process of doing more than mentally moving. I’d move. Sometimes the price of life’s purpose may be “leaving” the life we value most. No matter – I’m here – right now – living life – enjoying the moment … the turkey wraps with organic tomato paste, organic mushrooms, fresh asparagus and some tasty red wine. My home is warm (I paid the gas bill), my home is safe (I for sure paid the security alarm bill!), and I have my cousins, Smith and Wesson ready for anyone who might want to interrupt this peacefulness I call home.
Ok – rambling here – enjoy the Puna coastline. I did.
Aloha.
And I left work at 5:20 to ride for an hour. Burr. If those numbers don’t give you a chill then you’re ready for hibernation. Most of my body was comfy – my fingers actually got cold even in the lobster claws. My right foot was a bit nippy too – but I suspect it was due to a misplaced toe warmer. In mid ride my cheeks were getting cold but bearable. The finger issue needs tending to – and I’m not sure what to do about it. Possibly using toe warmers rolled up and placed in both gloves. I know it would solve the problem.
Ok then. There were no other cyclists out riding. I guess the cold weather and darkness were a little too much. And the runners who braved the cold (I saw 26) thought … “there goes a nut.”
When I saw the runners my thought was simple: where are the other riders? Cold weather isn’t an excuse to stay inside and ride the trainer. Much easier to say than do because no other cyclists were out. Another thought driving me: what is the lowest temperature that I’m willing to brave? As long as my feet, hands and face are comfy, then I’m good.
Today’s photo is taken from the Parkway – this time a year ago. Definitely icy conditions today – and a year ago.
Bundle up!
My workout yesterday was pretty tough: 2.5 hours on the bike followed by a 1 hour weight workout with single leg squats, lunges and blah-dity-blah-blah. More than enough to empty my stomach.
What’s funny about my eating habits is the simple fact that I eat a lot of calories. Usually more than twice the amount an average male consumes. During the “off” season I eat about 4,000 calories per day. And in the racing season I consume approximately 6,500 calories per day in food – with 1,000 calories of fuel on the bike. A 7,500 calorie day is not uncommon.
With an empty stomach yesterday I was ready to feast. Ames and I set about making a great meal and a New Year’s celebration quietly at home. Last night was super-fun. We cooked up multiple treats: filet of beef, crab cakes, escargot, prosciutto, stuffed portobello mushrooms, tasty wheat bread with cheese, salad with mango dressing, spinach dip on the side and carrot cake for dessert. Red wine flowed and it was mighty difficult to stay awake after the “feast.”
I stayed awake until 11:05 – then crashed until 11:59 – when Ames woke me up for the ball drop in NYC and a midnight kiss. I actually stayed up till 1AM to just “stay up.”
Today I got up and ate (ha) again. We started off with buckwheat pancakes, syrup and bacon. I added a banana in for my fruit selection. Within two hours I ate again. Oh well, I knew I’d need fuel for a New Year’s day bike ride. The wind was howling and the temp was pretty brisk.
Outside it was 36° but it felt like 26° (wind chill due to 20-30 mph winds – gusting at times to 35mph). Burr. I rode for an hour and 40 minutes.
The photo of today was taken near Northshore Drive. Even the ducks were sitting on the water.
Have a blessed New Year.
