This Hoppin’ John variation took me back to the ranch, with Ranch Style Beans. Like so many of my Hoppin’ John variations, it uses brown rice. As always, I cooked the rice on the stovetop; but if you have too much to do while the grain cooks, a rice cooker would come in handy.

This Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker keeps your cooked rice warm for you, too; and can cook other things as well. I did most of the prep work yesterday afternoon; and today only needed to cook the rice and assemble the final dish. And, of course, wash dishes afterwards!

I’m debating whether to ride. It’s overcast; and rain chances are 60%. If I do ride, I’ll use the hybrid, which has fenders.

Then, if it does rain, I won’t get all splattered with dirty water; and my bike will stay cleaner. With the hybrid, I can use the trunk; and thus take along the poncho.

It’s 74 degrees, which doesn’t feel like November. This might be a good, old-fashioned weather breeder. It’s supposed to cool off slightly over the next few days; but it will still be warm for this time of year.

Maybe I’ll head for a short ride in the park. I’m getting tired of sitting around; and I’ll see you back at the ranch.