It Finally Feels Like Actual Spring

Friday 5/19/23

Columbine

Today began with a walk before it got too warm. I took a short detour into an estate sale because I'm curious (nosy), didn't have any intention of buying anything, and had no money. Nothing was of interest so I continued and saw some wildlife making an appearance. There were six deer, but they were on the move.

Since I volunteered to drive to the concert tonight I got out the vacuum and cleaned out my car, then took it to the car wash and gas station. We drove into Albany for dinner at El Mariachi which was very good. I've always wanted to try a mole' sauce so I did - it was yummy, sweet and spicy. Before the show we walked around the plaza a bit and took some photos. 

A photo op of my girl gang in front of the Capitol building.

The Egg where the concert was being held.

AJ captured, modified, and captioned this,
"Switzerland Or Bust Eggheads." Our trip is getting closer.

Soon it was time to head in for the show. We watched a BeeGees tribute band who started off slow, but then found their way to a nice performance. 

The band

It was a nice evening out with friends. 

Saturday 5/20/23

We have had no rain in over a week, so my morning ritual has turned to coffee and the hose to water all the gardens. I make plans to divide this plant, move that one, etc., but so far not much action. 

I discovered a new poppy plant while I was weeding the front bed, so I carefully dug it up and replanted it near the large poppy I bought over 30 years ago. It is long lived, but rarely spreads.

I didn't get too much done before getting ready to head to Schenectady for dinner at Pho Queen and Trevor Noah's show. Both were fantastic. I haven't laughed that much or loudly in a very long time.

Trevor Noah performed in the gorgeous old Proctor's Theater. He put on a great show even from way up here!

Sunday 5/21/23

A cloudy day has greeted me which is fine for garden work. I planted some gladiolas, then spread my remaining mulch. I couldn't decide on an activity, so I finally settled on a bike ride on the Electric Trail.

Knowing I have a distance goal to meet, I toyed with doing 30 miles today. Luckily the trail is an out and back, so I can turn around anytime. The ride started off great with spring foliage bursting out everywhere. The first 12 miles were a breeze so I kept going until I reached 15 miles. I biked along without a care in the world, stopping to look at whatever interested me. Then I turned back and got to Samascott Orchard store around mile 17. I stopped for a salad and a garlic bulb. It was a perfect time to rest as I still had 13 miles to go.

I rode through lots of farms with views of the Catskills across the Hudson River.

Allium in Harris Park

I don't know what these blue beauties were (poppies?), but they were in a patch of forget-me-nots.

One of the many dairy barns.

I started off to finish the ride noticing how hard it was to pedal; I must be more tired than I thought. But then the bike itself felt odd, wobbling underneath me. I got off and discovered the rear tire was nearly flat. Luckily I had a little pump with me and pumped it back up to nearly full. Now panic was setting in as I didn't know what was causing the problem. All went well for a mile, then the wobbly tire again. I still had ten miles to go on a wonky tire. I pumped it back up, then rode for all I was worth to get back to my car. I didn't even make 2 miles before it lost air again. In all, I had to pull over and pump the tire up 6 times to get back to the car. I made it, but am exhausted. 

Now I'm back home, showered, and on the deck having a glass of wine and some chocolate. I think I earned it.

2023 Biking Challenge (1000 miles and 2+ rides per month)

Jan: 1/8 - 18 miles; 1/29 -12 mi

Feb: 2/14/- 14 mi, 2/15 - 16 mi, 2/20 - 21 mi

March: 3/21 - 14 mi, 3/31 - 11.5 mi

April: 4/4 - 20 mi, 4/27 - 15 mi

May: 5/9 - 20 mi, 5/11 - 15.1 mi, 5/14 - 19 mi, 5/21 - 30.1 mi

Total Distance: 225.7 miles