Friday March 28

Spring is taking so long, or perhaps it's because of the last nearly 3 months political crap. So this extravagant plum tree in blossom is wonderful. More of my journaling is now off social media. I don't want to be tied down by social media peer pressure to be performative. I'm biking, working on home projects, waking up my spring garden, cooking meals, walking, socializing, reading, watching dvds, resting, planning trips overseas and local.

Overdid it

Spring ride but 35+ miles and too much sugar gave m exhaustion and chills. So got #40 bus home to rest and warm up. Likely anxiety related

Saturday March 22

Chilly spring ride to see the daffodils and the snow geese.

Very cold day to ride the Cedar River trail

Sleet at the 10.5 mile mark.

68 in Leavenworth

A few miles up the Icicle Ridge trail after lunch at Yodelin. A gray but dry day for a drive over Steven's Pass. Feels like spring over here.

Corned beef hash for a cloudy Sunday brunch

As I work through everything in my freezer drawer this month I'm able to create all sorts of economical classics. There's a reason my food bin is mainly green yard trims. Raised by "waste not want not" blue collar parents I'm grateful I learned to cook and I enjoy it. Knowledge is power.

Building my itinerary one by one

April is approaching so it's time to tackle a plan for a major trip. You have to read and research, then lay out a draft calendar of where to go, what to see, and when. This year I have a daily budget based on averages for 2024. Hotels.com is the default as LP no longer provides meaningful recommendations for accommodation. Factor in, also, transport, schedules, any possible senior discounts, must see sites, seasonal highlights, geographic locations, walking distances, feasible public transport, breakfast inclusions, fully stocked kitchens, no bunks, no dormitories, hidden fees, cancellation options, accurate objective reviews, so much else.
Logistics are an art and it's no wonder people go on organized predictable tours but then complain when boredom and irritations arise. People so want to avoid risk. But there is little chance of finding the singular experience that defines the trip.

Early early spring

It's coming

A ride around Discovery Park and Magnolia Bluff before the rain returns

I was last here mid-January. Much more light now, and plenty of windfall in the woods as there has been some weather with snow and wind since my last ride. Had to detour off-road near the occupied Ft Lawton houses as the city was clearing some downed trees, maybe from February 24 wind storm (a week ago!). The roads are washed clean and a few early daffodils are blooming, a thrush singing, and the smell of spring. Some early plums in bloom on magnolia bluff road. I'm glad I made the effort. Back in the saddle!

Narcissus herald spring

My first successful bulb forcing in a few years. A moment of contemplative joy as a break from a rainy Monday filled with chores.

From Saturday’s Zoom lecture on classic Ottoman rugs

Lots of possibilities here. I had no idea that there was a relationship between Transylvania and Anatolian carpets. But I followed a link from a textile interest group. A wonderful way to float about all the crap at street level. Knowledge is power. Life goes on.

Back in the saddle

A Friday Cascade ride on Fir Island to see winter birds. I've been offline for several weeks because of being in NZ and also experimentation with alternative journaling tools. After one month I can feel the difference in day light and the promise of spring. The tulip and daffodil fields have been crop rotated and I can see that tulip peeping in a few months will require a re-route from last year.