Susan did join me on a few walking outings — on our local Library trail, to the nearby Walgreens store, around our long block.
The doggie at this house did not like me too close to the penguins. He barked a lot at me as I continued to pass by.
And we found something to buy from Amazon ;’-). Last year we had purchased very pricey electric gloves which have not lived up to our expectations — or their hype! Those gloves keep my fingers from freezing, but not from getting quite cold. I saw these ‘pogies’ that are especially for flat handlebars which are what we have.
Neither of us have an affinity for, or much interest in Ohio State, but the pogies came in black or these red. We like the red, and thought also that they will show up better when riding. I am writing this on December 6th, and I have not yet had any opportunity to get on my bike because of that weather I just wrote about. We shall see how the pogies will work in real life. Mainly I wonder how changing my gears will work under these mitts. I will write my review when a ride can happen 🙄.
Another thing we have been able to do is harass Katmandu ;’-).
We have had and used this cat carrying backpack for other cats we have had in our life. We put Kat into it and walked him around the house, upstairs and down and all around and he purred the entire time. This was ‘practice’ jaunt to see if we can take him for a short outdoor walk sometime. He has not been outdoors with us yet and may not like it as much when the top is zipped closed.
It had been 11 days (ELEVEN DAYS!!) since I had ridden my bike. Snow, ice, frosty fog, freezing rain each and all kept me ride-less. Yesterday — Friday 12/9) was the day 🤗. As sweet as the ride was, it was short — and cold at 36 degrees. I did get a couple more Christmas things. Snow is all gone due to the rain we have had, but the freezing temps have not climbed much.
You will note the pogies on their maiden trip this day. It was another reason for me to ride short today. I had some trepidation about using my fingers for manipulating the gears and brakes, so stayed on flat terrain and short miles. They work to keep my hands warm with thin gloves that either pull back for fingers, or gloves with those ‘tech’ tips for touch use of phone, and easy to pull out and put in your hands. Little by little I became comfortable guiding my fingers to the right place to shift gears. Next time I will try adding some climbs with the goal of becoming adept with the “other” hand shifting those gears 😉.
That was ONE day of a ride and the next morning brought cold consistent rain for the entire day. Sigh, and mornings may now bring frosty fog so I will have to keep my eye out for a safe window for riding.
I did get out for a ride the day after that rain and had to cut that short ride shorter. I didn’t mind the mist, except for having to dry my glasses constantly, but the fog drove me back sooner than I wanted. In the best visibility cyclists are often invisible to motorists — add fog and I do not feel safe on the road. This fog was thick enough for me to be satisfied with the amount of time I had already gotten to ride on this day.
Rainbow Riders had the annual Christmas Holiday gathering in the sea town of Port Townsend. Susan and I, being ever so Covid diligent (and scared), opted to not join in for the carol singing and gift exchanging in one of their hotel rooms during the last evening. We did however join the few first arrivals for a brief time on the first day at Pacific Hotel lobby for some chatting and catching up.
The Christmas village and train display was festive and beautiful..
The following morning we joined the group bike ride along the Scott trail. Weather was ok but seemed threatening as we drove from our campsite to park in town.
We pedaled the short distance through downtown to join the others
Someone who chose to not ride took our photo from their hotel window as we got ourselves organized.
And then we were off for our adventure.
A group selfie shows everyone’s delight at being together and riding bikes ;’-).
As we ended our ride on this chilly Saturday late afternoon, the rain showed up for the last couple of miles. Susan and I went home as the others stayed another night for their singing and gifts. The following day — SNOW and ice for an entire week had hit us. Fortunately those who stayed were able to miss the worst of the snow storm and all got home safely.
At home we had to be satisfied with snuggling in and staying safe and warm. We admired our neighbors’ Christmas lights.
And admired new fallen snow. And Kat was able to make his way from his main home to his secondary home (ours) through the snow. See those little paw prints.
Once inside and patted dry, he was happy to curl up in his favored spot atop arranged pillows under the incadescent lamp turned on high mode.
Then we had a week of below freezing temps (in the 20s quite often) and icy (as in sheets of ice) on roads and walkways (again). Forced indoors, I was not happy about having to skip riding for many days to come. Of course I did not forget about bike riding.
The news media was all about frigid Western Washington with ice that disrupted traffic and public transportation. Finally as time passed and temp started to rise ever so slightly, the problem then became re-freezing in 23 degree temps. Well, we complained of course, but well equipped Buffalo NY had it a lot worse with their snowstorm which ended up taking near 30 lives.
Ok —- Now came Christmas. Jenny and family would arrive at our house after some festivity time with some family in Leavenworth. Once here, they would stay for a week with us. Leavenworth had lots of snow which afforded the boys (E & A) lots of ski and snow play time. We had retained enough snow here for Susan to take them on a couple of outings from our house.
Unfortunately, their dad had gotten Covid while in Leavenworth and felt a few symptoms as he dropped them all here and headed directly home. He had to stay away for the entire Christmas time and we face-timed with him as well as Sarah’s family for gift opening. Here at home we all tested for Covid and came up negative. (Score again).
Susan and I gave E a new bike as he has outgrown his current one. He took a short ride with his mom up to Walgreens and said it feels great and he loves it. (Score!)
Both boys are very into books, reading and stories. Before any other gifts got opened they both spent some time (on their own) with the ones they had opened.
They had a few more adventures including Susan and Jenny taking them ice skating at a local outdoor rink and out for lunch. Games and reading filled the remainder of their stay before their dad, now clear of Covid, came to pick them up and load their “takes” for the drive home.
It is now just a few short days before this year ends and we will mostly have rain for the remainder. Though we have had a few wrinkles for the holidays, we feel joy and thankfulness for all that we have and for family and friends. I wish everyone the same. See you next year.
