WRETCHED EXCESS

Wretched Excess is the exclamatory term we use to describe anything "over the top." This is another non-cycling entry. Our tv cable includes music channels and one of them is Sounds of the Season. Currently, they are into Christmas music. But along with the music, they run some blurbs on screen in addition to the artist and song information. One such blurb last night was "The average family has 75 ornaments on their tree." Wretched Excess: we have 281 (one less than we had yesterday morning, as I dropped one).
I keep a spread-sheet (don't roll your eyes!) on the ornaments. This came about because through the years we acquired additional ornaments, but couldn't remember when or sometimes if given as gifts, who. Now we know.
Coffee is finished, time to get on with decorating. BTW, even if everything in the house takes on a Chrismas theme, we don't think of it as excessive.

TO RIDE OR NOT TO RIDE, NOT REALLY A QUESTION

I am sitting here at 6am contemplating whether or not to drive into Austin to ride with my friends from the Bicycle Sports Shop. With Thanksgiving dinner (and leftovers) still making me loggy, and an extra two pounds sitting on my thighs, I really don't feel like it. But the weather forecast shows a cold, wet front just passed Lubbock and will be here in about six hours. This will be my only chance for a decent ride for the next week.
In addition, we have some early Christmas lunch gatherings scheduled and it will take lots of man-hours to have the house properly decorated. I am feeling (slightly) guilty about biking in these prime-decorating hours. But yes, I'll leave in an hour to ride.

MAMA ROUX

Mama Roux is a restaurant in north Austin (I-35 and Parmer). Why should a restaurant be the title on a cycling blog? Because cyclists gotta eat! Ok, the reason is I haven't been doing much cycling as we move into holiday season, and this is my favorite eatery, even though I've only been there once. But there is more to this story. Mike and Yoli started Gumbo's a few (more like ten) years ago. Mike is the chef. He puts out the best Cajun food this side of New Orleans (and better than most inside New Orleans). Why they were in and out of the restaurant business is their story and not for me to relate, but each time they resurface, Marilane and I make it a point to seek them out. Now, everybody in Austin and vicinity knows this and they do the same thing. Not having to wait for a table takes the luck of the Irish. It doesn't matter, the food is superior, the prices reasonable (even downright low if you get the red beans and rice), so you go and wait. If you live in, or are coming to, Austin, put this place on your agenda (and tell them Jerry and Marilane sent you).
On a cycling note, I managed a 35 mile ride this morning, starting out in the fog, but finishing in nice sunshine with no wind. Cycling will be spotty until after January 1. I checked out the spin classes at Gold's Gym and it looks like the 8:45am once a week will start this coming week. I also began my leg work on the weight machines last Friday. They have yoga on Thursday evening, but I have a difficult time leaving home after 4pm.

GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS

Destiny, whatever. I prefer to attribute my good fortune to my Guardian Angel who guides me in the right direction. What, pray tell, does this have to do with cycling? For the past two weeks I have done a lot of serious lifting and toting of boxes and heavy furniture as we moved my mother-in-law to a retirement apartment. Most of the physical exertion on both ends of the move was mine. There is no doubt that the time spent keeping my body, especially the cardio-vascular systems, in shape allowed me to complete the task in good order, without injury.
Truthfully, the three weeks doing E2E and afterward the time-trial training put me in the best condition since completing the coast-to-coast trip in 2001. Moving took all of my energy, but I must say, the accomplishment borders on the heroic.
So, thanks GA, for pointing me in the direction of cycling to hone my lungs and muscles. As I see my older friends (like, in their 70's) still being strong and active, growing older doesn't seem to be as restrictive as I anticipated it would be back when I turned 60.
PS Massage, Reiki, and Epsom Salts bath are part of the recovery process. The GA doesn't work those type of miracles.