Oops, I almost took “taking a day off†to the extreme by forgetting to blog today. I am a little bummed today because it was supposed to be a LEAF getaway day and I’d be hanging with the Raleigh Royalty this weekend, but this Spring’s LEAF has been canceled. Thanks Obama COVID.
I have been a busy man already, however. At 7:10am, as I type this, I have cooked and eaten breakfast, washed and hung a small load of clothes, and have started the preparation work for a batch of Instant Pot “Baked†Beans. This recipe takes over two hours to make (letting the Instant Pot achieve and release pressure twice mostly) so I wanted to get a jump on it early this morning, because there is a lot more already on my “relaxing day off†schedule!
What, you may ask?
Well, I have a haircut appointment at 12:45pm, I have to swing by Target and actually go inside in order to pay and receive a prescription, and I will be hanging out with Bonnie a bit this afternoon talking bike maintenance, perhaps getting in a ride?, and hopefully some beer drinking.
The rest of the weekend is shaping up to be more of what life has become, a lack of solid plans since planning is hard for me these days, spending fun time with a friend or two in the day time, followed by spending the night home alone.
It’s been two months since we started staying at home all of the time? I really feel ashamed at the lack of progress I have made in my life (i know, i am not supposed to feel disappointed, but I do anyway!) On the positive side of the ledger, I did finish reading “Alice in Wonderland†yesterday, so I’ve got that going for me!
Time to get back to bean prepping.
Have a great weekend and attempt to stay healthy, friends.
I have literally no excuses and I’ve accomplished almost nothing. So many house projects I could’ve chosen from! Too much time sitting around and feeling sorry for myself and being mad at the world. I’m really good at spending WAY too much time researching random ideas and making lists. 😠I did make getting outside and exercising a priority and to date I’ve lost 10 pounds since the last hash! In truth that’s a fluctuating number, and today measures my lowest weight EVER (123), which I’m sure is not realistically sustainable. 😠Especially as my social life continues to pick back up.
This morning I am re-watching videos on how to change bike tires as both my MTB and hybrid have rear flats. (The MTB I believe to be a valve issue?) Somehow I’ve never changed my own tire—I mean, I have had people for that. ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ While watching random bike maintenance videos I’m re-discovering a bunch of useful bike tools I may wish to add to my arsenal… Or, maybe “bike nights†will someday be resurrected from the olden days. I think Lawn Cut had a random one not too long ago…
I don’t yet know what the weekend holds… there are several fun things to choose from, such as rogue hashing, walkabouts with friends, etc. I decided early on to skip trying for a Wheelhopper spot as it is a long drive and I’d have to go it “alone.†And, though I have just as much right as anyone else to try and claim one of the 10 slots, I feel I should leave the slots to “real†Wheelhopper folks at this time.
Changing my own bike tires is a bridge too far for me as well.
Separately, during the pandemic I’ve figured out a way to combine walking and beer drinking. I walk down to the southside trail on Boulevard, head over the the Beacon, and then purchase a 16 oz Tropicalia at Third Street Goods. They have a few other options as well if IPAs aren’t one’s thing. I’ve also gotten to-go drinks at Six Feet Under and walked around Oakland Cemetery. Right now is a particularly good time of year to do that. Both options work well for social distanced happy hours.
Nice. I should have doing more of that sort of thing!
Yup, to-go beers have been nice. I’ve tried not to drink as much during all this (contributing to my 10 pounds lost) but I’m feeling bad for not supporting local businesses as much as I planned, oh, and I miss beer! I almost rode to Sceptre yesterday as they had limited stock of a special triple IPA. I started to follow lots of local-ish restaurants/beer bars/breweries on Instagram just for the beer situation. I need to expand! I forget about Third Street Goods. I’m also overdue a cemetery walk!
🙌🻠On your weight!
If you get stuck with the tire, I owe you a demonstration.
Oh, and sorry about LEAF Paulie, *hugs*.
Thanks. Ugh, I shouldn’t have looked at the weather forecast for Black Mountain…
Oh well! Fun here instead! Bonnie, lets compare weekend ideas today. 🙂
Changing bike tires/tubes – I have someone that is REALLY GOOD at it, as he has done it 1000s and 1000s of times. So – I have never actually done it myself. One time years ago, Michelle (Dunkin Honuts) and I tried, but Little Easy decided to “help” and in the end, 3 CO2 cartridges later, we still had a flat tire. (L Easy had sliced the tube with the tire lever, and we did not realize that, we thought it was we didn’t use the CO2 cartridge right).
My first day back in the office in 6 weeks yesterday and I worked like a field hand. No break for free lunch, though I did get a biscuit and coffee for breakfast- eaten at my desk. Cabling to do, a failing part to replace and a server to install and cable. Ugh. Left before 3 as I had calls at 3:30 and 4!! WTH?
Today is my 25th anniversary with the bank. I join a large club (literally) that has an annual luncheon with a nice talk by one of the executive committee. I’m proud of the work we do and glad to have found my spot.
No great plans for the weekend. We might have to go get hay as the pastures are in poor shape. The one on top looks great, but the cows are still coming (we think) so that’s out.
Some quality time on 2 wheels, for sure.
-FP
We met to watch the C130 flyover – we were a little far away, and it was just 2 planes. Ooops was so funny, “we met up for this?” But it was a reason to get together, and moved to my deck, and had dinner & conversation there.
I need to get some road bike riding in this weekend, we were invited to a mini BRAG family get together in Thomson, GA the 1st half of the week that was supposed to be BRAG. Since there was no STU, Steve has come up with some routes (but he won’t spray paint the road for me……) I’m sure I can’t keep up with the “gang”, I’m hoping Benny will come & with his health issues, I can keep up with him & not get lost.
Ah, I saw a comment related to this on Sal’s Instagram feed. Sounds you all will have a good time. I need to get on my road bike too, but that will necessitate me taking it off the trainer and swapping wheels again… ðŸ˜
Just finished texting with Lisa of the Raleigh Royalty. They are doing fine, though going a bit stir crazy. In lieu of seeing each other in person we are going to do a video chat some time tomorrow afternoon while drinking beer.
Remember when there were multiple Zoom calls a week between hashers? Either that didn’t last long, or I stopped getting invited.
DUFF is the only publicized one that I know of that still happens weekly, but like you said, perhaps I’m just not getting invited to others…
And if you are not getting invited, I am not getting invited. 😉
I think so many people are actually getting together in person here & there, and the “fun” of the zoom calls has worn off.
I got invited to a Parrothead one tonight, I had forgotten about it – someone reminded me this morning.
I think you are right about that Barb, which why my general “stay at home†stance with a rare outing with one other person keeps me out of the loop. I knew the Zoom calls wouldn’t last forever m I am surprised they went away so quickly. I’ve not been on a hasher call in at least two weeks.
If you ride a bike, you should learn the basics of maintenance. Changing a tire is an essential skill in my opinion. What if you get a flat 15 miles from home? Or in a bad neighborhood? Or on a mountain bike trail miles away from your car. Keeping your chain clean is also very important, a clogged up dirty chain will prematurely wear out and possibly break (again miles away from home). Basic maintenance will keep you running with fewer issues.
***stepping off soapbox****
Barb, you will be fine in Thomson. Travis will be there so you 2 can fight over who is slower 🙂
I hear you Bob, and I’m not disagreeing. There’s a backstory as to why gaining such skill are much more of a challenge for some of us versus others. I for one was imparted very minimal mechanical skills from my father. My philosophy has been it’s best for me to do what I’m good at and pay others for what they’re good at. It’s also why I don’t ride without a cell phone, so that I can phone a friend if needed.
Good point Lurker, and I often forget to take that in to account. I did grow up around bikes and motorcycles so learned a lot of stuff very young that has stuck with me. At least some riders are nice enough that if they see somebody with a flat they will stop to help.
When I ride solo I always pack a $1 and a $20 bill. The $1 bill is useful in the rare instance you need something to ad integrity to your tire after a flat. The $20 is to bribe someone for help in case all else fails. 🙄
I agree Bob, I’ve always *thought* that, it’s just that my friends have always jumped in to do it for me, probably because they know the group can get back on the road quicker. 😂 But, yes, my hybrid flat happened at the end of a solo ride and I know I was lucky. I theoretically know how to change one, but nothing is a substitute for hands on. As for not practicing at home, well that’s just my flat-out laziness and irresponsibleness. I do however always wipe my chain, keep it lubed, degrease every so often, and keep my bike washed. I do not however have a chain repair kit nor extra chains. That is on the list.
Keeping your bike clean like that Bonnie will serve you well. And you don’t necessarily need extra chains, just a master link for your current chain. If it breaks you can just put a new master link in and keep going.
I’m also happy to teach anybody how to change a tire, I try to break down the mechanics of what is going on and help with understanding what is going in to the task at hand.
Sooooo, just wondering if your haircut happened? Asking because Jamie has been on CNN twice about not opening yet, and she hasn’t mentioned it on Facebook. I could ask her myself but I’m curious about your experience?
In totally unrelated news, I’m purchasing a set of clippers from Amazon today. This experience has taught me to keep them on hand. Kevin actually said he thought the haircut I gave him was better than Great Clips! Praise hysterical!
(I still read everyday, but usually too late in the day to comment, just like today. Apparently I’m the New Lurker.)
hi Jenka!
– closing down all my windows – and realized I was too busy all afternoon to read.
I “helped” Allan with the clippers on the back on his neck – I did ok, but I was happy he did the rest of his head without me. No blame!!!! 32 setting worked just fine for him.
Hey Jenka! Sorry, I started drinking beer…
Yes, my hair is cut. I have gone to a woman for a long time has been an independent stylist. She has her own space at JC Salons (?) in Ansley Mall. Stacey was very diligent, taking my temperature and wearing a mask (as did I) the entire time.