SpokEasy

December 2023

Out with a Bang

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Out with a Bang This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” A lot of folks like to send the old year out with a bang. I started hearing firecrackers by 3:20 pm; and it was still broad daylight! Cycling-wise I’m not exactly seeing 2023 out with a bang; but I can steadily increase my distance. Today I rode almost 9 miles; and that’s a big improvement from several weeks ago. Back then I couldn’t do more than two or three miles! I need to get back to my usual distances; my legs are turning to mush. I also need to burn off those holiday goodies! I’m not setting up big plans for 2024; my foot has to be my guide for a while yet. But something that I can plan for right now is improving my diet. While I’m not vegan, I know only too well that my eating habits need correcting! I’m working to curb my intake of sweets, which for me is the hardest part. How about a New Year’s ride? The overnight low temperature will be around 50 degrees; and not much wind. That isn’t bad for riding; but there’s a 40% chance of showers. Play it by ear, I guess. Like, maybe, 12th Street Rag?    

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Seven-Up

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Seven-Up? This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Seven-Up sounds like a soft drink; or, at least like some electrolyte drinks. Today’s ride, however, had me thinking of seven-up. Or, to be more exact, seven and up. Seven miles, that is. Bit by bit, I can ride farther and farther. My foot still tells me to take it easy; but today I rode just over 7.5 miles. I need much more exercise than I’ve been getting; this morning my legs were telling me that I’m getting very out of condition. But I hope that next weekend I’ll be ready to ride to the salvage store I’ll be going there with some friends tomorrow; they had something else to do this morning. I hope things aren’t too crazy in the store; and the roads had better not be a madhouse! Tomorrow is Silvesterabend, after all; but at least the real madness isn’t likely to be underway at 8:00 am! It looks like New Year’s Day might be wet. What a way to start a year! Needing a raincoat is an aggravation on any ride; but on January 1, an even bigger nuisance than bad weather is debris from fireworks on the bike path! Getting back to seven-up, I wish I could say, seven down. Seven cans down, that is. I still have a long way to go before I’ve pared down my stash of canned goods. But between yesterday and today, I did get rid of four of them!

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Feeling Sheepish?

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Feeling Sheepish? This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Nobody enjoys feeling sheepish; but I thought of the expression while viewing this YouTube. Watch at about 08:07 minutes. A bicycle-powered sheep-shearing machine! I think it would be great to run, say, my blender using pedal power. But how long must I pedal in order to whip up a smoothie? Have I got the mechanical skills to hook up that blender in the first place? As for powering my laptop that way: I say, forget it. The motion of pedaling makes it difficult or impossible for me to look steadily at a computer screen; book; or whatever. It’s not like glancing at a cyclocomputer every few minutes! I expect that a bike such as a Schwinn GTX is better for such purposes than a road bike. Or is that just my own vague notion? Even when you’ve got the bike for the job, there’s the question of having the space to set up your human-powered appliance(s). I’m feeling sheepish to admit it, but I “rode” indoors this morning. It didn’t get quite as cold as predicted; but it was still cold. I needed to get in some pedaling, even if it was only 16 minutes. I skipped it yesterday, because my foot seemed to get a bit too much the day before. But maybe tomorrow!

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Here Comes the Chill

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Here Comes the Chill! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Here comes the chill; and I don’t mean the coolness of a Luna Bar Chocolate Peppermint. Tonight it’s supposed to drop to 37 degrees; the coldest weather of the season so far. That’s not cold enough to cause ice on the mud puddles; but it’s plenty cold for me! Tomorrow’s ride will require careful clothing choices; specifically, layering. When it’s that cold, leg warmers alone don’t keep my limbs warm enough; and I need to wear slacks over  them.  My feet get cold easily; and thermal socks are in order. Plus a pair of socks over thermal socks; so I can tuck the slacks’ legs into them. Riding in the cold is hard enough without having pant cuffs getting snagged in my bike’s drivetrain! I’ll need several layers “up above”, as my torso gets cold even more easily than my legs. Long-sleeved blouse; vest; jacket — I get tired of having all that stuff hanging around home! Heavy gloves and hand warmers are on my clothing list; and of course a helmet liner. I’m absolutely miserable when my head is cold! I’m still doing short, easy rides, thanks to my left foot. Riding easily means I don’t warm myself up as much as I do when I can push harder; but I have to go at it little by little. If I do have a hard day, I usually take off the next day. That’s not the best way to tackle a fitness program, though. In fact, I’m debating whether to go out right now. The chill factor is 45; and tonight will be even colder. Here comes the chill! ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Here Comes the Chill December 28, 2023 Frumenty December 27, 2023 Twelve Days December 26, 2023 Season’s Greetings! December 25, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Frumenty

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Frumenty This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Huh? Frumenty? What  kind of a word is that? It harkens back to Tudor times; and I encountered it while watching a YouTube. In those days, Christmas really was a twelve-day celebration; and this tells a lot about it. Including “fromenty“, as I heard it. I decided to have a go at cooking a batch; using oat bran. Googling “fromenty” brought up “frumenty”; and the recipe is quite simple. Naturally, I’m already thinking up variations: adding raisins and/or chopped nuts; putting brown sugar in it; maybe using evaporated milk instead of almond milk. I bet that would make some rich stuff! Prior to my latest escapade in the kitchen, I went out for a short ride. My foot still won’t let me do as much as I would like; although it does seem to be improving.🙂 Alas, it’s still a bit too tender for my cycling shoes. I’m glad I can wait to ride until afternoon if the weather is bad; or if an early-morning appointment means I can’t ride until afternoon. Come Friday I probably won’t want to be out early; the forecast says that some areas might have — are you ready for this? — FROST! Time to haul out those hand warmers for sure! Or maybe stay home and enjoy a bowlful of frumenty hot out of the cooking pot! ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Frumenty December 27, 2023 Twelve Days December 26, 2023 Season’s Greetings! December 25, 2023 Buon Natale December 24, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Twelve Days

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Twelve Days? This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Twelve Days of Christmas sounds like fun. Sort of. I’m not sure I’m equal to twelve days straight of feasting and revelry; but unlike the common folks of Tudor times, I have plenty to eat on a regular basis. Ergo I don’t need nearly two weeks of it at Yuletide. But while I was still working, the Xmas break was a good time to get in some extra riding. It was also nice to not have to get up at 4:30 am if I was to be able to ride! Incidentally, I considered doing that this morning to see the full moon; but the forecast said it would be mostly cloudy. The temperature was predicted to be below 50 degrees; and that means thermal socks. They’re rather thick; and I think they’d still be too uncomfortable for my foot. But back to those dozen days of Xmas in Tudor times. What would we think of a boar’s head as a centerpiece? I’m glad I don’t have to prepare it! In fact, I’m glad I don’t have to do food prep the way they did back then. Just adjusting the fire (see about 07:44 minutes) must have been a big job in itself. Frumenty (about 12:29 minutes) sounds interesting; even like something I might be able to make.  Lighting the oven (about 17:14 minutes), Tudor style? I’m re-e-e-ally glad that’s not needed nowadays. How many unfortunate cooks managed to catch their clothing on fire during the process? All that, and we aren’t even to the feasting yet! In those times, such a banquet happened once a year (about 22:44 minutes) for most people; and I can hardly blame them for making the most of it. As for me, all that feasting spells the need for some real exercise — such as a good bicycle ride! ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Elementor #157017 December 26, 2023 Season’s Greetings! December 25, 2023 Buon Natale December 24, 2023 Caught Red-Handed? December 23, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Season’s Greetings!

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Season’s Greetings! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Fröhliche Weihnachten! Joyeux Noël! Feliz Navidad! Buon Natale! Wherever you are, however you say it — Have a wonderful Christmas! 🎶 🍭 🛷 ❄️ 🎄 ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Buon Natale December 24, 2023 Caught Red-Handed? December 23, 2023 ¡Feliz Navidad! December 22, 2023 Joyeux Noël! December 21, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Buon Natale

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Buon Natale! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Buon Natale; and welcome to Christmas in Italy! Like any country, Italy has its own Christmas traditions.  Feast of the Seven Fishes is for you if you love seafood. I wonder, does the menu include salmon? As for seafood pasta, I once tried some pasta called “black braids” — I think  the Italian name was trecce neri. This pasta is made using squid ink; and for a fact it has a faint fishy odor and flavor. Bagpipe music? I associate that with Scotland; but in Italy, bagpipe-playing commemerates the shepherds on the night of the Nativity. I suppose that shepherds would have had simple musical instruments, so they could entertain themselves during long periods out in the fields. Skiing at midnight? My brother used to enjoy skiing; and he might have liked that. A stream of skiers carrying torches as they skim down the mountainside must be quite a sight! Of course, people in Italy have quite an array of Christmas sweets: cookies; special breads — I feel my sweet tooth firing up merely thinking about it. I can’t say whether Lindt Intense Orange chocolate is among this spread of goodies; but I know I like it! Italy, like some other nations, has Xmas markets; and children await the arrival of La Befana. This character brings presents to the kids; and she sounds like the polar opposite of Baba Yaga!  Love Christmas Trees? Head for Gubbio to see the largest one on Earth. When I was six years old, I would have loved that. Even now I’d like to see it. Naturally there are religious celebrations, including one at the Vatican. Even if church-going isn’t part of your Christmas, it’s fun to sing carols. In parts of Italy where it snows, there’s skiing (as mentioned above); and doubtless kids have snowball fights go sledding, and build snowmen. It sounds great; so Buon Natale! ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Buon Natale December 24, 2023 Caught Red-Handed? December 23, 2023 ¡Feliz Navidad! December 22, 2023 Joyeux Noël! December 21, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Caught Red-Handed?

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Caught Red-Handed? This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Talk about getting caught red-handed. This morning I went for a short ride; and somehow forgot to put on my left-hand glove! I was almost a half-mile from home by the time I noticed; and I expect I’ll have some red — or, at least, pinkish — skin as a result. Trying to minimize such unfortunate results is one reason why I kept the ride short. I didn’t have any sunblock with me; and for a fact, I don’t like sunblock on my bare hands while riding. It makes them too slippery. Incidentally, if you’ll be doing any holiday riding with children, don’t forget about kids’ sunblock. The weather is very warm for December (mid 70s today!); and if it gets any warmer, I might want a Mission Cooling Neck Gaiter.  I guess we can blame El Niño for that; and possibly also for the rain we’re expecting tonight and tomorrow. We could even get T-storms tomorrow night; so I hope Santa’s sleigh has lightning protection. I skipped the salvage store today; I still have too much stuff on hand. And imagine what riding to and from the store would have done to my unprotected hand! I would have been caught red-handed for sure. ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Caught Red-Handed? December 23, 2023 ¡Feliz Navidad! December 22, 2023 Joyeux Noël! December 21, 2023 Fröhliche Weihnachten! December 20, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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¡Feliz Navidad!

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¡Feliz Navidad! ¡Feliz Navidad! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ¡Feliz Navidad! as they say South of the border. Christmas in Mexico sounds quite interesting. Their celebrations extend from December December 12 to January 6! Las Posadas, the re-enactment of Joseph and Mary searching for shelter, would be fun by bicycle; with the way lighted by luminarias. In drought-stricken areas, people might want to find an alternative to candles, though. No point in starting a wildfire! The piñata ought to be fun, too; especially if you happen to enjoy  breaking things!  Buñuelos sound delicious; and I bet they’d be great with maple syrup! Save some room for other foods, such as tamales. I naturally think of December 25 as going hand-in-hand with cold weather. If you spend that season in Mexico, don’t haul out the down-filled jacket and hand warmers. Temperatures at that time of year in Mexico can reach well into the 70s; and, for that matter, Christmas Day here can touch 84 degrees! Sounds most unlike the Kristkindlmarkt in Germany! Getting back to the festivities, the Night of the Radishes is one that my brother would enjoy. He’s liked whittling since he was about six; and I think he would find it fun to tackle a giant radish. There are many other customs; but whatever you chose do do, ¡Feliz Navidad!

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