Another new toy -- but oh, so useful

Hey, y'all,

Still alive and well enough here, hope you are the same. Weather warming up -- into the 90s yesterday, a little cooler today and for a few more. Hasn't been a problem for me, though. I like warm weather. That day back in Cedartown when it reached 113 in the shade of my back porch was a bit much, but this, I can handle.

A few weeks ago I bit the bullet and bought another new toy -- a really nice Cuisinart convection/rotisserie/toaster oven. Did a lot of research before deciding that this was the one, but I've loved it from the first time I used it, and I use it at least once a day, often several times a day.

Today, I finally got up the nerve to try doing a whole chicken on the rotisserie, which is really why I wanted it in the first place. It took me this long because I was a little afraid of it initially, when it comes to cooking meats. I wasn't sure how much smoke would be produced from the inevitable spatter, or if it would set off my sensitive smoke alarm.  Turns out, there's very little smoke, and if it didn't happen today with fat spattering and dripping at 450-500 degree temps, I think it's not going to happen.

Previous attempts with meat have been great, though a couple of them were foil-covered. As I said, I had to work up to using the rotisserie, but now I'm really glad I did. For one thing, it's just a small space that needs wiping out afterward, instead of a big oven. Secondly, that little chicken was juicy and tender just like commercial rotisserie chickens and very unlike oven-roasted chickens. I gobbled up a large portion of it, felt like I could eat the entire thing!

Still on the spit, too hot to remove just yet. Clearly, I still have a lot to learn about how to hog-tie one of these things properly (aka trussing), but this got the job done, even though it wouldn't pass any professional judgment. Those damned birds are slippery as hell, even dried off beforehand. The oven comes with a doohicky that lifts the spit out of its mechanism. It feels a bit perilous, but so far, it's worked fine. This is one time when it would be nice to have another person around -- one to hold a plate, and the other to use both hands to lift the spit out. But, I made it without much dripping on the floor.

So that's my story for today. Kinda lazy, aside from doing this. See you next time. Stay safe and well.

Early morning hike up Spencer Butte

So, this morning my cohort and I set out very early, around 6am, to hike the biggest thing in these parts: Spencer Butte. I lived near it for over a year and never got the nerve to try it. She's done it, but from a different trailhead which she said seemed easier. With all the hiking and cycling we've been doing, we figured we could make it.  Elevation: 2054. Elevation gain from the trailhead: 1094. Distance (per the map) 2.1 miles.  My Fitbit says it was longer, but I'm not going to argue. It's steep and felt like forever. Our legs were shaky by the time we reached the top and it's been a long time since I've been so happy to see my car in the parking lot! My Fitbit says it was over 14,000 steps and it took us 2.7 hours. Her device said it was over 3 hours. I expect hers was more accurate, as it's a better device.

However, as promised the 360 views are superb, and it was a sunny morning with mild temps. Don't think I'll be doing it again any time soon, but I'm glad to have done it once. Heavily traveled -- lots of people by the time we headed back down the hillside.

Not the best composition, but with the glare on the screen of the iPad it's hard to see what I'm actually getting. Nice view, regardless.

Love the hovering clouds as we got closer to the top. Still a long hike from here, unfortunately. But beautiful.

Looking down to the north, with the UO campus beyond some residential areas in the 'foreground' and the Coburg Mountains in the distance, not far from where I live. If you look under the highpoint of that distant peak, then straight down, you'll see a couple of shiny objects just above the tops of the trees. The one to the left is the newly completed Hayward Field, now one of the finest T&F facilities in the world. The T&F Olympic trials were due to christen it this summer, but of course, won't. Next summer it's scheduled for some major International T&F event, which hopefully will happen. Along with the rescheduled Olympic Trials and lots of other events.  Just to the right of Hayward Field is the shiny dome of Matthew Knight Arena, where the BB teams play in a mini-NBA style arena.

One of many flights of stone steps that I mostly walked up monkey-style, on all fours. My legs were too tired to merely walk up them. These were just installed in 2015, and while I'm sure they make things easier for most people, compared to whatever was there before, they made it harder for me. Still, a lovely morning and, whining notwithstanding, a good hike.

Long bike rides and the world's best cheese

So -- after a week of relative inactivity [wet weather, and general laziness], went off with my neighbor on a really nice, long bike ride this morning. My favorite bike path [same one I took a few weeks back that really kicked my butt and took me up the dreaded Roosevelt Hill], but this time my body had more energy, was stronger overall, plus she knows the way home that takes us around that damned hill.  Longest ride yet -- a little over 20 miles, 2 hours and 33 minutes. And I feel great afterwards. Plus, all those calories burned lets me eat a bit more than usual, while still keeping my diet app happy.  Speaking of diet.... there's this:

My local market keeps a little basket in their cheese shop where they put small 'leftover' bits of cheeses at tiny prices, for tiny pieces. I scour it every time I'm there, because often there are bits of favorite cheeses, or cheeses I've never tried, from around the world. All of them are cheeses I could never afford in even the smallest wedge they have pre-wrapped in the counter -- $40-50/lb. kinds of cheeses.

There's one in particular I always look for in that basket, but until Friday have never found. But there, like two radiant jewels, were two bits of Rogue Creameries Rogue River Blue, from Southern Oregon! I grabbed them fast, checking with the counter attendant first to be sure they were what I thought they were. Some months ago this cheese was named the best cheese in the world at some prestigious event, and of course at $50/lb. it's way beyond my budget. Plus they were sold out of it for awhile, but they told me a couple of months ago that they'd gotten some more, same batch. And this, my friends, is it. I have to say, it lives up to its reputation.

I've had other of the Rogue Creamery blues [from the basket] in recent months, all utterly delicious, and without tasting side-by-side can't say that this one is that much better, but at least now I've tasted it, two wee pieces with my evening wine, two nights in a row. Creamy, a bit salty, tons of flavor I don't have words to describe, all of them good. I'm a happy camper.

The day after.....

After two 20-mile rides within the span of six days, I think that overall I'm going to be better off not pushing that distance on my next ride. I feel fine, but was jazzed from the ride, didn't sleep well, and have been very tired and lazy all day today. Wiped out! Same thing happened after the previous ride. I should have turned around in Coburg, not gone for the extra 4 miles. That would have been sensible, and age-appropriate. But when have I been either?

Of course, this ride was much easier than the first, big hill notwithstanding. I'm just building my conditioning and strength and it may be that after these first two, I could easily do more. But I think I'm going to try an easier/shorter ride next time. Even two hours would probably be easier, as the first two were about 2 hrs 20 minutes each.

Whatever. I hate the term and need to be 'age appropriate'. It galls me, but reality bites, and needs to be faced. The good news is that aside from being tired, my body is strong, joints don't hurt, muscles feel fine. I've always had the need to push myself this way. Not just to push myself, but more a matter of impatience, wanting to get to the good part and skip the boring part.

This is all moot, in a way, since we're not forecast for another clear day until next Friday. I can get some good morning walks in here and there, probably, but no likely bike rides.

Be well, everybody. Stay safe. Personally, I'm walking around everywhere with a mask on and have some hand sanitizer in my car for use after being inside any kind of retail store. And I stay well away from people I encounter on the sidewalks when I walk.

Biking between rainy days

Another clear and sunny day today, so off I went on the bike again. New helmet and all. Really wanted the open road, so I headed north to the little town of Coburg, where I lived for a couple of months before moving in here.

Google said it was 8 miles, and they [and my bike computer] were spot on. I felt fine, so opted to ride on through town to a nice loop I used to ride that goes through farmlands, orchards, some modest rural residential and a couple of newer, modern 'spreads' with fancy iron gates. Just under a 3 mile stretch that added about 4 miles total to my ride.

Hardest part of the ride was the part getting to/from Coburg Road from here. Too many city streets and stop lights. But then I was free and clear and able to move the bike fast [fast for me, which is not fast for most folks]. But I love those sprints, those times where I just pedal as fast as I can until I slow down naturally. Always have.

I was a bit pooped when I got home, 20 miles, 2 hours 23 minutes later, but ----- NO JELLY LEGS! Of course, no Roosevelt Hills, either, but a couple of highway overpasses and some other grades along the way.  Plus a headwind that was a bit unfriendly here and there, especially coming home. And a lot better average speed.  8.4 compared to 7.7 on Sunday.

Of course, I've done nothing substantial since I got home -- eating and chilling. Oh, and I ordered a thick sheepskin cover for the bike seat, because after those 2 hours my behind was sore, and I need to put an end to that problem. Not sure it'll fit the bike, but if it doesn't I can return it. And order a custom cover for about 4 times the cost of this one. Photo from 1983 in Colorado, but note the sheepskin seat cover. The trip up Loveland Pass that day was a day trip, so most of my gear was back at the campground and not nearly as impressive as say, this one. Fully loaded, but can't see the seat.

Cheers, all. Stay healthy.

Jelly-legs

Whew! I'm still alive and -- other than my legs feeling like jelly at the moment -- well.

Decided to take the bike out for a long ride today, one I've done many times but not since maybe 2006.  I wasted about 20 minutes trying to find the right trail off the main riverfront bike path, and then on through the western edge of town to another bike path that goes west. By this time, I was already feeling a bit tired, but I knew I could do it so I kept on and finally arrived at the best part of the trail which goes through meadows and wetlands and is generally quite peaceful. These photos are from a walk along part of the trial that Adam and I took a couple of years ago.

The trail also goes alongside this creek for a good part of the way. This is Amazon Creek, which has its start in the south hills near where I used to live. It's more of a slough, really, as it goes through town. But out here along the path (Fern Ridge Path) it's more wild. Usually lots of herons and other wildlife along here. And often, wildflowers.

I'd intended to return the way I came, as I've done in the past, but by the time I reached an optional trail that takes a right turn and heads back toward home, I decided that might be the best way to go because yes, my legs were still tired and would not put a lot of effort into the whole adventure. I'd never taken this route before, but my neighbor that I hike -- and sometimes bike -- with takes it all the time. I didn't remember just how she gets home once that trail ends and then it's necessary to ride on rather busy roads. But I knew I was going the right direction and could find my way home.

She was talking about this path the other day, mentioning some turns that she took that avoided the 'Roosevelt hill', but of course I didn't remember all those details so I ended up having to ride up that dreaded hill, which is rather a doozy. I've avoided hills of any kind since I've had this bike, because I wasn't sure of 1) my legs, and 2) just how low the lowest gear of this bike is. I made it up, slowly and a bit wobbly. Then had to take a left turn and ride another busy road that I prefer to avoid (actually, it wasn't all that bad) while looking for the road that would take me back to the river trail. I saw signs to a couple of them, but wanted a specific one. And then I saw a sign for the last bike bridge that crosses the river and knew I'd gone too far. I live near that bridge, so it was fine, but it's another place I've avoided because of the grade on both sides to get to the top of it. Made that one, too, even with jelly-legs. Turns out, the road I was looking for doesn't connect with this specific stretch of the busy road I was on. Now, I know.

Legs are still jelly, but at least I'm no longer fearful of some of these moderate hills around here that I've been avoiding.  My sweet new bike computer says that total time was 2 hours, 33 minutes, 19.69 miles. Average speed was only 7.7 mph, which is embarrassing, but that includes plenty of city streets and a few stops to turn around, etc. Really, I need to get that up!

All in all -- jelly-legs not withstanding -- it was a good morning. And knowing that I can do some hills has opened up all kinds of new places to go that I've been avoiding.

Early morning hike

Explored a little new territory today. Near where I used to live on the south side of town, but a trail to the top of Mt. Baldy that I'd never tried before. Not a big mountain, by any stretch, but it's a solid uphill hike to the top, and the views along the way are superb. After that, we crossed the road and continued on the trail for awhile before returning to the car. Only an hour and 15 minutes, but a good hike.

The trail across the road, through beautiful spring green trees dappled with sun and shade. We are so lucky to live in a place that has this much (and more!) outdoor space for walking right in town. This is a city park, and there are miles of trails.

Busy day....

Not as good a photo as I thought it was when I snapped it, but sadly it's all gone now, so I can't get a do-over.

Today's lunch, something new for me: stuffed portabella mushroom. Mexican flavors, hot sauce dripping onto the plate. And lots of fresh asparagus, which I eat every spring until they no longer appeal to me. Haven't reached that point yet, this year.

I guess that's my day's excitement, though not really. I took a very early morning walk for about 48 minutes, and another, shorter, walk after lunch.

I'm in the middle of my first Zoom meeting, which is an ongoing Buddhist retreat taught by my dearest monastic friend.  I'll enjoy the teaching, and hopefully learn something, but the best part may be seeing her, and hearing her voice. All very soothing for me. Two sessions already today, one more session this evening, then do it again tomorrow.

I'm pretty tired. Have had a week of heavy-duty walking/hiking/cycling and right now, all I want is a nap! Hope I manage to sleep well tonight so I'll be fresh for tomorrow's sessions. And maybe I won't walk so much tomorrow.

The bounty of the garden

Remember this from a couple of weeks ago? I've had a few meals from that chard since then, but with the nice weather, it's been going a bit crazy, so today I went out and harvested all of the large leaves. Six point four ounces of it!

You probably don't love chard as much as I do, but I enjoyed every bite of this. I chop the stems into maybe half inch pieces, slit the greens in half then crosscut them into manageable sizes. These things magically become much, much smaller as they cook. Like spinach.

I saute them in olive oil, add a couple of whole garlic cloves to the oil, add the stems and let them soften a bit, then add the greens and toss them until they are wilted. Salted, of course. Doesn't take long, is filled with nutrition (especially straight out of the garden!), and to my old taste buds, delicious.

Yeah, I had more for lunch, but none of it came from the garden. Since there's also lettuce out there that needs to be used (tomorrow), I'm glad that the chard plants are down to a small quantity for now. They'll be bounteous again soon enough. The gift that keeps on giving.

Heceta Head Lighthouse

This isn't a recent photo -- probably a couple of years ago. But as I scrolled through the various folders looking for inspiration, something that stood out and moved me tonight, the folder of lighthouses caught my eye. Because we can all use a beacon of light in the darkness that's taking over our world, and this is one of the most spectacular places I've ever seen. I remember my first glimpse, back in 1996 when I first drove up this coastline. Mindboggling, in person. Beautiful always.

There's a woman living in this building whose husband of 62 (I think it was) years died about 5 months ago. I've come to know her a little bit over those months, and have heard bits and pieces of their life together. They were lightkeepers at this lighthouse once upon a time, for about 17 years, as I recall. The house is now a B&B, but they had it all to themselves for a long, wonderful time. I didn't know him well, but the one occasion I had to hear him speak, he was quite interesting, as is she.

I'm still here, if anyone's wondering, and as far as I know, healthy. I didn't sleep much last night, so it hasn't been a fun day (lots of dozing, a couple of movies, random food).

I'm grateful to a few people in the building who are happy with a little email correspondence. It helps the odd and wildly swinging emotions that we all seem to be feeling with all this isolation. And we are people who are good at isolation, as a rule. Loners all. Hermits at heart. I'm happy to have this blog as an outlet, though as always it's like talking into a vacuum -- or the universe -- and there is never an answer. But it's good to get things out even if no one listens.

Hope all is well out there.