True Story
James Pearl Thinks Blogging is Dead
- Thread starter Norm
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January 5: Cromwell Completion
It's not actually complete. But this phase of the project is. We wrapped up the winter session of the trail builds today. Given the near 20 degree temps this morning, it was a less than efficient sort of day. But we finished what we needed to, and we added in at least 4 additional fixes that we hadn't planned for. The finishing work on phase 2 will need to be properly done in the spring. But it's rideable, and paves the way for the next steps at the park. As Kirt said to me today, it's really happening. This sort of pipe dream that we had is actually coming to fruition. It's kind of neat.
We want to rough cut in 1 more line before the winter is totally upon us. But that won't be something we'll be able to finish properly before spring. We have a lot of plans.
But for now, we're going to take a little break. We're both physically and mentally tapped out right now. Waking up to the cold today wasn't super enticing. And digging up frozen chunks of dirt was also hard to work with. I'm sure we'll be back out there before long but these full day sessions are going on pause for now. That said, I imagine we're now going to have 14 straight days of 50 degree weather. So it goes.
I have no idea when the park will actually open but we're sure people are going to ride this. And when it's frozen, most of the stuff we've done is probably running pretty nicely right now. Today's (part) build is not going to be awesome. There's just some stuff that was frozen solid still at 3pm. But by and large, this should be coming together really well when the ground is frozen solid.
It's not actually complete. But this phase of the project is. We wrapped up the winter session of the trail builds today. Given the near 20 degree temps this morning, it was a less than efficient sort of day. But we finished what we needed to, and we added in at least 4 additional fixes that we hadn't planned for. The finishing work on phase 2 will need to be properly done in the spring. But it's rideable, and paves the way for the next steps at the park. As Kirt said to me today, it's really happening. This sort of pipe dream that we had is actually coming to fruition. It's kind of neat.
We want to rough cut in 1 more line before the winter is totally upon us. But that won't be something we'll be able to finish properly before spring. We have a lot of plans.
But for now, we're going to take a little break. We're both physically and mentally tapped out right now. Waking up to the cold today wasn't super enticing. And digging up frozen chunks of dirt was also hard to work with. I'm sure we'll be back out there before long but these full day sessions are going on pause for now. That said, I imagine we're now going to have 14 straight days of 50 degree weather. So it goes.
I have no idea when the park will actually open but we're sure people are going to ride this. And when it's frozen, most of the stuff we've done is probably running pretty nicely right now. Today's (part) build is not going to be awesome. There's just some stuff that was frozen solid still at 3pm. But by and large, this should be coming together really well when the ground is frozen solid.
January 6: Holiday Half Party
Tonight we had our yearly holiday party, and as always, it was a great night. Due to the snow, it was a more of a half party. About half the people who were going to come pulled the plug due to snow. In the end, those who said they were going to make it, made it. And the people who didn't, didn't. All told it was about 20 people as opposed to the normal 40+. And that was fine. 20 is a pretty good number, about as many as you can have and not get overwhelmed by the sheer volume. But then, of course, half the people you hoped to see weren't there.
Most years, when we have the full guest list, you don't get a chance to talk to many people for very long. Tonight, there ended up being 2, or maybe 3 circles of conversation, which was a good number. Tonight is a great way to get all the people on the team together. Some years we invite people who are not on the team, though this year it ended up being team-only. I have no idea what 1 year is different than any other. It just works out that way.
But now I am tired, and will go to bed soon. Maybe tomorrow when I wake up there will be snow on the ground but right now it all looks dark outside.
Tonight we had our yearly holiday party, and as always, it was a great night. Due to the snow, it was a more of a half party. About half the people who were going to come pulled the plug due to snow. In the end, those who said they were going to make it, made it. And the people who didn't, didn't. All told it was about 20 people as opposed to the normal 40+. And that was fine. 20 is a pretty good number, about as many as you can have and not get overwhelmed by the sheer volume. But then, of course, half the people you hoped to see weren't there.
Most years, when we have the full guest list, you don't get a chance to talk to many people for very long. Tonight, there ended up being 2, or maybe 3 circles of conversation, which was a good number. Tonight is a great way to get all the people on the team together. Some years we invite people who are not on the team, though this year it ended up being team-only. I have no idea what 1 year is different than any other. It just works out that way.
But now I am tired, and will go to bed soon. Maybe tomorrow when I wake up there will be snow on the ground but right now it all looks dark outside.
January 7: Another New Year's Day
Today felt like new year's day, take 2. We originally planned to have my parents over, but since they're in PA they decided not to drive. So, we ended up with a bonus day. I hopped on the bike for 2+ hours this morning then spent the rest of the day doing stuff around the house. At some point in the afternoon, I built a fire. Today was a great day for a fire. D & Simon started a puzzle. I made Japanese curry for dinner. We cleaned up some stuff around the house. Things like that. The day was a collection of items that certainly didn't need to be done. But we had the day to do none of them, so we did some of them.
Felt like the pressure-less vibe of new year's day, all over again. It was nice.
It was the kind of day where you clean out that desk drawer with all the charging cables you've been saving since 1985 - D did exactly that today. It was the kind of day where you fix that basement window latch that is really of almost 0 consequence - I did that today. It was the kind of day where you sit around the living room table after dinner playing Telestrations - we did that today. And it will be the kind of day where you lay in bed and read a book; an actual physical book with pages and a hard cover - I will do that just as soon as I hit submit on this post.
Hope you had a relaxing day like this, as opposed to the complete shit show these local ski hills seem to be turning into. Ok then, on to that book...
Today felt like new year's day, take 2. We originally planned to have my parents over, but since they're in PA they decided not to drive. So, we ended up with a bonus day. I hopped on the bike for 2+ hours this morning then spent the rest of the day doing stuff around the house. At some point in the afternoon, I built a fire. Today was a great day for a fire. D & Simon started a puzzle. I made Japanese curry for dinner. We cleaned up some stuff around the house. Things like that. The day was a collection of items that certainly didn't need to be done. But we had the day to do none of them, so we did some of them.
Felt like the pressure-less vibe of new year's day, all over again. It was nice.
It was the kind of day where you clean out that desk drawer with all the charging cables you've been saving since 1985 - D did exactly that today. It was the kind of day where you fix that basement window latch that is really of almost 0 consequence - I did that today. It was the kind of day where you sit around the living room table after dinner playing Telestrations - we did that today. And it will be the kind of day where you lay in bed and read a book; an actual physical book with pages and a hard cover - I will do that just as soon as I hit submit on this post.
Hope you had a relaxing day like this, as opposed to the complete shit show these local ski hills seem to be turning into. Ok then, on to that book...
January 8: Spinach
When I was a kid, I loved spinach. This was probably a bit of an abnormal thing to like as a youth. It may have had something to do with the fact I liked the cartoon Popeye. But I don't think so. I believe it was a complete coincidence. This evening, I made a bean dish that had a lot of spinach. The image you see below is the before version. As anyone who has cooked with spinach knows, this is not how it ended up. It cooked down to approximately 3 tablespoons worth of spinach. To be fully transparent, I didn't watch Popeye at any point in the day.
Sigh...that is all. It's all I got. It was a Monday and I had 9 meetings and I'm on another (non-work) meeting now and when the day comes to an end, all I really take away from the day is my bean-spinach dish. And I'm ok with that.
"That's all I can stands, 'cause I can't stands no more!"
When I was a kid, I loved spinach. This was probably a bit of an abnormal thing to like as a youth. It may have had something to do with the fact I liked the cartoon Popeye. But I don't think so. I believe it was a complete coincidence. This evening, I made a bean dish that had a lot of spinach. The image you see below is the before version. As anyone who has cooked with spinach knows, this is not how it ended up. It cooked down to approximately 3 tablespoons worth of spinach. To be fully transparent, I didn't watch Popeye at any point in the day.
Sigh...that is all. It's all I got. It was a Monday and I had 9 meetings and I'm on another (non-work) meeting now and when the day comes to an end, all I really take away from the day is my bean-spinach dish. And I'm ok with that.
"That's all I can stands, 'cause I can't stands no more!"
From the hone office:
That can is 14oz, so it contains approximately 3 hectares of raw spinach.
Can confirm.
That can is 14oz, so it contains approximately 3 hectares of raw spinach.
January 9: Weather
It's disgusting out there.
In general I try not to let the weather bother me too much. If we have a trip planned, it's obviously more important. But at the end of the day, you're dealt a hand and you have to play it. Arizona trip planned and it's sweltering? Ride early. Canada ski trip where it's -26 when you wake up? Sleep in. Ski trip and the mountain is covered in ice? Have a long breakfast with your friends. Bike trip and it's raining all weekend? Head to the bike shop to see what's good.
Point is, there are always options. Now that the race days (it's an event, not a race) are behind me, I feel no need to plow my way through weather like this. I do occasionally have to go to the store which is more than enough exposure to it. I'm happy to run from the car to the Walgreens then to Acme and back to the car. That's enough weathering for me. And yes, I freely admit I wish this were snow.
I climbed the Alpe today while watching the Sopranos. It's all part of the event preparation and it gives me focus. I find that having a specific aim is the best way to ride inside. If I have to go back & forth to hit my time allotment, I can struggle. If I ride a route, it's much easier. Climbing this thing sucks sometimes, but it is a concrete goal and there is a very specific end to it. Today I did it in 1:05. My best last winter was 1:01. Power was 11w less for the climb which doesn't make sense. So it looks like they changed the equation(s) again. Whatever.
Hopefully your power doesn't go out tonight. And if it does, crawl into bed and have a good long sleep.
It's disgusting out there.
In general I try not to let the weather bother me too much. If we have a trip planned, it's obviously more important. But at the end of the day, you're dealt a hand and you have to play it. Arizona trip planned and it's sweltering? Ride early. Canada ski trip where it's -26 when you wake up? Sleep in. Ski trip and the mountain is covered in ice? Have a long breakfast with your friends. Bike trip and it's raining all weekend? Head to the bike shop to see what's good.
Point is, there are always options. Now that the race days (it's an event, not a race) are behind me, I feel no need to plow my way through weather like this. I do occasionally have to go to the store which is more than enough exposure to it. I'm happy to run from the car to the Walgreens then to Acme and back to the car. That's enough weathering for me. And yes, I freely admit I wish this were snow.
I climbed the Alpe today while watching the Sopranos. It's all part of the event preparation and it gives me focus. I find that having a specific aim is the best way to ride inside. If I have to go back & forth to hit my time allotment, I can struggle. If I ride a route, it's much easier. Climbing this thing sucks sometimes, but it is a concrete goal and there is a very specific end to it. Today I did it in 1:05. My best last winter was 1:01. Power was 11w less for the climb which doesn't make sense. So it looks like they changed the equation(s) again. Whatever.
Hopefully your power doesn't go out tonight. And if it does, crawl into bed and have a good long sleep.
Then and Now: Revisiting the Sopranos’ New Jersey 25 Years Later (Published 2024)
On the anniversary of the show’s premiere, its creator and location manager reflect on some of its iconic settings and why they were chosen.
Then and Now: Revisiting the Sopranos’ New Jersey 25 Years Later (Published 2024)
On the anniversary of the show’s premiere, its creator and location manager reflect on some of its iconic settings and why they were chosen.www.nytimes.com
Paywall!
Peasant
Red Mosquito
Formerly RLB the Scrapple Boy
I've been meaning to try this for a while, I just haven't remembered when I have the chance.
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serviceguy
Well-Known Member
Late to the game, I know, but in an effort to save you precious time I wanted you to know that all the preparation you need is to stay at the Holiday Inn the night before the thing. You're welcome.
January 10: Memories
I don't know what made me think about this today; perhaps it's the doldrums of this weather. But I was remembering the spot on the now-forbidden KT area where Riverwood & Leatherwood came together. I miss those trails, and the vibe of that time. I know things change but KT was better in those days. Nothing you say will convince me otherwise. The trails used to be a great place for keeping different levels of riders together. The trails now - not so much. I do still enjoy them, but I think they've changed dramatically compared to just 5 years ago. I tried to find a picture of that area and I gave up. But the below is a great snapshot of what we used to have up there. Lots of good times.
I suppose it's time to get that KT house for July 2024. This will be our 10th year as a team.
I don't know what made me think about this today; perhaps it's the doldrums of this weather. But I was remembering the spot on the now-forbidden KT area where Riverwood & Leatherwood came together. I miss those trails, and the vibe of that time. I know things change but KT was better in those days. Nothing you say will convince me otherwise. The trails used to be a great place for keeping different levels of riders together. The trails now - not so much. I do still enjoy them, but I think they've changed dramatically compared to just 5 years ago. I tried to find a picture of that area and I gave up. But the below is a great snapshot of what we used to have up there. Lots of good times.
I suppose it's time to get that KT house for July 2024. This will be our 10th year as a team.
January 11: Xmas Part Whatever
When you have a "normal" family, you often have multiple Christmas events. Sometimes they're on the same day, other times not. When you have a blended family, you rarely have the multiple Christmases on the same day. When you have a blended family with relatives in Canada, you never, ever have Christmas on the same day. Sometimes, they can be spread across weeks. Today was our 3rd or 4th celebration, this time with my parents.
Naturally, we had tacos. Because nothing says Christmas dinner like tacos. Dragons love tacos!
I got some Sees dark chocolate and Onyx coffee, which is like 2 of the best presents you can get me.
After my parents left we had our weekly game night with the family, in which we played Cards Against Humanity. I had mentioned to JShort the other day that when the kids get old enough to drive themselves to school/practice, life becomes better. Now that they're old enough to play a game like this, it's even betterer. It's a really great way to sit around and let yourself just be absurd (not that I'm ever not absurd).
It was a good Thursday. More days should be like this.
(note: Simon got the cap as part of his birthday present from my parents. He does not normally dress as if he's about to rob a liquor store)
When you have a "normal" family, you often have multiple Christmas events. Sometimes they're on the same day, other times not. When you have a blended family, you rarely have the multiple Christmases on the same day. When you have a blended family with relatives in Canada, you never, ever have Christmas on the same day. Sometimes, they can be spread across weeks. Today was our 3rd or 4th celebration, this time with my parents.
Naturally, we had tacos. Because nothing says Christmas dinner like tacos. Dragons love tacos!
I got some Sees dark chocolate and Onyx coffee, which is like 2 of the best presents you can get me.
After my parents left we had our weekly game night with the family, in which we played Cards Against Humanity. I had mentioned to JShort the other day that when the kids get old enough to drive themselves to school/practice, life becomes better. Now that they're old enough to play a game like this, it's even betterer. It's a really great way to sit around and let yourself just be absurd (not that I'm ever not absurd).
It was a good Thursday. More days should be like this.
(note: Simon got the cap as part of his birthday present from my parents. He does not normally dress as if he's about to rob a liquor store)
January 12: Round Valley
Got out for the first MTB ride of the season today at RV. I took the eBike and eChainsaw and cleared everything from the Cushetunk lot to the park entrance & back. In all, there wasn't that much to clear so it only took me 3+ hours in the end. Last year I didn't get outside for the first time until February 11, so I'm a month ahead of that. While I don't see riding 12 times this month, it's better than nothing. Weather wasn't bad for the time of year, other than the saturated ground. Unfortunately, very few places will be ok to ride this weekend, and RV is 1 of the few.
I wish this place could be something better but there are 2 major factors working against that. First, the park doesn't care. I guess in that regard, we could build a ferris wheel out there and nobody would really say a word. But the second is that it would take a Herculean effort to make the park more than it is. Sitting here thinking about it, you would need 4 massive reroutes to happen as well as 1 major facelift. When I say massive, I mean really significant. We're not talking a 1 day TM to fix. Then you'd be left with the things in between which are really just passable.
Anyway, that's not realistic. And with Cromwell now firmly in my Green Light path, I have very little motivation to push the issue out there. I'll continue to cut back the growth and the fallen trees. And we may even try to get a major session on the switchbacks. But beyond that, I don't see that as something which will ever happen.
Got out for the first MTB ride of the season today at RV. I took the eBike and eChainsaw and cleared everything from the Cushetunk lot to the park entrance & back. In all, there wasn't that much to clear so it only took me 3+ hours in the end. Last year I didn't get outside for the first time until February 11, so I'm a month ahead of that. While I don't see riding 12 times this month, it's better than nothing. Weather wasn't bad for the time of year, other than the saturated ground. Unfortunately, very few places will be ok to ride this weekend, and RV is 1 of the few.
I wish this place could be something better but there are 2 major factors working against that. First, the park doesn't care. I guess in that regard, we could build a ferris wheel out there and nobody would really say a word. But the second is that it would take a Herculean effort to make the park more than it is. Sitting here thinking about it, you would need 4 massive reroutes to happen as well as 1 major facelift. When I say massive, I mean really significant. We're not talking a 1 day TM to fix. Then you'd be left with the things in between which are really just passable.
Anyway, that's not realistic. And with Cromwell now firmly in my Green Light path, I have very little motivation to push the issue out there. I'll continue to cut back the growth and the fallen trees. And we may even try to get a major session on the switchbacks. But beyond that, I don't see that as something which will ever happen.
Such shame it doesn't get its fair due, great terrain. Thanks for the TM.
January 13: Appetizer Collections
Last weekend when we had our team gathering, I gave 5 people specific homework assignments. I shared 5 different Instagram recipes for those 5 people to bring to the party. In the end, 4 of the 5 never made it, so I wasn't able to cash in on the plethora of IG goodness that night. Having procured an Andre the Giant-sized wheel of brie, Alex & Mark invited us over for dinner tonight, which included the appetizer we never got last weekend. The meal was great. Company was great. The evening was great.
On top of that was Alex's daughter joining us for the evening. She's leaving to go back to school tomorrow for her last semester at university, and she hung out with us all night. In a sense I guess this should make me feel old, but it doesn't. I really enjoy that our kids, and our friend's kids, are hanging out with us in actual social situations. Over the Thanksgiving break in Florida we spent time with Kirt & family. Last weekend Bill brought his kid and he joined the conversations. And tonight, in addition to Alex's daughter, Simon came along and (maybe begrudgingly) hung out with us as well. I guess I would call this one of the unstated benefits of getting older - seeing these kids go from kids to big kids to young adults.
We have the game Telestrations at home, which we played on our game night last week. Tonight, we played the After Dark version, which is a sort of "Cards Against Humanity meets Telestrations." So yeah, use your imagination there. More than 1 penis was drawn tonight (note: but only 1 of them touched the floor of the image). We seem to be at this very sweet spot of parenting where we can literally have many different moments where all 6 of us are laughing so hard that it's nearly impossible to speak.
While the weather blows and we cannot do much of anything fun outside, today was a fabulous day.
Last weekend when we had our team gathering, I gave 5 people specific homework assignments. I shared 5 different Instagram recipes for those 5 people to bring to the party. In the end, 4 of the 5 never made it, so I wasn't able to cash in on the plethora of IG goodness that night. Having procured an Andre the Giant-sized wheel of brie, Alex & Mark invited us over for dinner tonight, which included the appetizer we never got last weekend. The meal was great. Company was great. The evening was great.
On top of that was Alex's daughter joining us for the evening. She's leaving to go back to school tomorrow for her last semester at university, and she hung out with us all night. In a sense I guess this should make me feel old, but it doesn't. I really enjoy that our kids, and our friend's kids, are hanging out with us in actual social situations. Over the Thanksgiving break in Florida we spent time with Kirt & family. Last weekend Bill brought his kid and he joined the conversations. And tonight, in addition to Alex's daughter, Simon came along and (maybe begrudgingly) hung out with us as well. I guess I would call this one of the unstated benefits of getting older - seeing these kids go from kids to big kids to young adults.
We have the game Telestrations at home, which we played on our game night last week. Tonight, we played the After Dark version, which is a sort of "Cards Against Humanity meets Telestrations." So yeah, use your imagination there. More than 1 penis was drawn tonight (note: but only 1 of them touched the floor of the image). We seem to be at this very sweet spot of parenting where we can literally have many different moments where all 6 of us are laughing so hard that it's nearly impossible to speak.
While the weather blows and we cannot do much of anything fun outside, today was a fabulous day.