02-03-2026 Ride

Slept okay, although I did wake up in the night and read for a while. Got back to sleep and then got up around 6:00, made the bed and got ready for a short early-morning ride. It was cold enough for an undershirt, full-finger gloves, and ear flaps. This was going to be a slow ride. Down by the park and over Lake Hodges on the pedestrian bridge to get over to BVP. I took it up to Glenridge Rd and turned right there, in search of a way to connect to Hidden Trails Rd. Up to the top of this road and left on Moody Dr to get to Reed Rd. I took this one all the way to its dead-end top, then rode down and found a street, Hidden Estate Ln, that looked promising. Right turn there, and I found a fire access road that connected me to Hidden Trails Rd. Took this down (great descent!) to Valley Pkwy, then stayed on El Norte Pkwy, again at moderate speed in pretty heavy morning traffic, down to Broadway. I turned left there and, still in heavy traffic, rode over to a donut shop in the old Stater Bros parking lot. Had a couple of donuts, one was freshly made and delicious, then I continued on Broadway over to Valley Pkwy, turning right there to get to Centre City Pkwy. Left turn there, headed home the normal way, via the freeway, from there. I did have to stop and fix a flat around the Citracado Pkwy intersection. While I was fixing it, a homeless guy came up and offered me a patch kit, which was pretty great. Home the normal way from there.

Avg speed = 14.1 mph. Total mileage = 23.0 mi

Avg power = 113 W. Weighted avg power = 137 W

Total elevation gain = 1300'

Avg heartrate = 99 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 15

Training Load = 70

Intensity = 62%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17273548417

Got home and had some coffee, shaved and showered before heading over to SDHS. Two more hours of folding and stocking laundry, but I met a couple of other volunteers (Jeri, Judy, Sharon) who may be helpful in the future. Ann was at the beach when I got home. I watched some TV after finding out I had missed a lunch with Howard and Yi-Hua. Dang it, had the wrong day on my calendar. Took a brief nap, then I went out and sifted more of the pea gravel while listening to podcasts. I'm almost done with this task. Swapped out the tires for new Gatorskins and put in the patched tube on my Canyon, then I replaced the rear brake pads because I couldn't get them to stop rubbing. Talked to Ross before dinner, he sounded good, is managing the pain from having all his upper teeth pulled on Monday. I also found out that Mark booked his tickets to visit us in May. Watched some TV in the evening, and that was the day.

02-02-2026 Swim/Run

Slept pretty well, even with having a nap the previous day. Got up and had some breakfast, since I was supposed to meet Avi for a swim at the WWC at 9:00. Pool was more crowded than expected when we got there, but there was a lane open, and the guy in the next lane was just finishing up, so it worked out fine. I was in lane 4, which is definitely slower on the out direction and perhaps a little faster on the back direction. Here are the times for the drills we did:

Warmup 250

    4:42

5 100s at 2:00 intervals

    1:40

    1:42

    1:45

    1:46

    1:43

5 50s at 1:00 intervals

    0:46

    0:49

    0:49

    0:49

    0:48

Cool-down 250 (with pull buoy)

    4:59

I was slower than the last time I had done these speed drills about a month ago.

Avg pace = 1:47/100 yds (Video, not counting pause)

Total distance = 1250 yds

Elapsed moving time = 22:17 (Video)

SWOLF =38

Avg stroke rate = 21 bpm

Avg pull distance = 2.38 yds

https://www.strava.com/activities/17263196903

After the swim, I got ready for a run while Avi took the opportunity to soak in the spa, as it seemed to help the numbness in his arm. I was more intentional about slowing my pace down, and I could definitely feel my right knee throughout the run. It doesn't hurt, it is just noticeably tight-feeling. Ran the 5k WWC route, temperature was warm enough that I was sweating by the end.

Avg pace = 8:24/mi

Total distance = 3.15 mi

Elapsed moving time = 26:27

Avg heartrate = 135 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 13

https://www.strava.com/activities/17262909150

Got home and relaxed for the rest of the morning. Had some lunch, and then an and I walked over to Colleen's and wished her a happy birthday and smooth move. She is moving to Redlands to live with her sister. I chatted with the neighbors for about a half hour and then walked home. Shortly after I got home I headed out to the front yard to clean more of the pea gravel. The dirt was dry by this time, so I dry-sifted the gravel and it went much more quickly and neatly. Got more than halfway through the barrel and called it quits for the day. Later, I went over the fence and cleaned up the sumac and pepper tree shoots. Wish there was an easy way to take out those pepper tree roots. I also found the very small hole in the inner tube that was slowly leaking, and I patched it. Talked to Ben for a short while in the early evening, Ross has his top teeth pulled today. I texted with him later, he seemed to be holding up okay. Watched some TV and then to bed after a quick shower.

02-01-2026 Ride

Slept reasonably well (<!>). I was scheduled to meet Paula at her house at 8:30, so I got ready for this bike ride. It was in the low 40s when I left home, I had arm warmers, arm sleeves, and full-finger gloves on. Was fine for temperature as I rode by the park and across the freeway, getting onto Via Rancho Pkwy to head up to Felicita Rd. As I started this little climb, I was warming up, as was the temperature. Over to Gamble Ln, turning left and taking it to Bernardo Ave to get to 11th Ave. I was a little overdressed by this time but figured it might be cold later on. Left on Del Dios Rd, then a right on Avenida del Diablo to get to Citracado Pkwy, where I turned right. Left on Harmony Grove Village Pkwy and down to Harmony Grove Rd, turning left there. Nice riding weather on this stretch, was cool in the shade. I wanted to make sure I got there on time, so I didn't let up on the climb up Elfin Forest Rd to San Elijo Rd. Could have pushed harder though. Right turn there and then the climb (seemed tougher than last time) up to Double Peak Rd, where I turned left and then left again on Atherton St. I got there about 10 minutes early, which was what I was shooting for. Unfortunately, the others weren't ready to roll at 8:30 as originally planned. Eric Ross showed up right around 8:30, we didn't get rolling until closer to 8:45. Mildly frustrating, but I wasn't on a strict time schedule. By the time I got to there house, it was warm enough to ditch the jacket, full-finger gloves, and arm warmers. We retraced the route I had just ridden all the way back to Citracado Pkwy, where we stayed on it until turning right onto Del Dios Hwy. Catalin had gotten out ahead on the initial descent after the turn, but I caught him near the top of the little climb that followed, then kept powering to create some separation for the bigger descent. Was a little worried about my bike wobbling during this descent, but it was fine, just need to stay relaxed in the upper body and not translate any motion to the wheels through my handlebars. I descended fairly quickly and then took the following climb at a decent pace, waiting in the little turnoff area that I usually use. It took a while for the others to show, and I talked to this chatty lady who was out for a walk until Paula showed up. Catalin had ridden ahead, so we rode to the turn onto El Camino del Norte, where he was taking a video of us. Past the turn, Eric ramped up his energy, and I matched his pace. I kept pushing hard after the left turn and gapped him, then pushed a little bit on the descent to RSF Rd. We waited for the others at the turn and then rode up to 13th St, where we turned right and took a very short, steep ascent into a little established neighborhood. Left turn on C St and another left onto 14th St, which caught me off guard and caused me to lose my chain when I tried to change gears too fast. Caught up with the others at the top, where we stopped briefly for a break and to take a couple of pics. Then it was down to Olive Crest Dr, which got us back to RSF Rd. We took it, for a change, all the way to the right turn, Eric and I were riding faster and put some distance between us and the others as we turned on Camino de los Coches, then left on Calle Timiteo (Paula and Catalin caught up to us at this light). Up to La Costa Ave, turning right and then right again on Circulo Sequoia. Eric and I were out in front again as we turned left on Sitio Manana and right on Calle Palmito. A right on Avenida Amapola got us to Camino Junipero, where we waited, for the last time, for Paula and Catalin. We turned left and took it back to RSF Rd, then up and down to San Elijo Rd. I was tiring by this time, while Eric still had more gas in the tank. We matched pace up to the right turn onto Elfin Forest Rd, taking it over to Calistoga Way and turning left there. From this point, it was all I could do to try and match his pace. Thankfully, he wasn't pushing so hard that he gapped me. We rode up to the little path that connected us to Genoa Way, turned left there and rode up to Baylor Dr, where I got through the gate first and onto Questhaven Rd. We turned left shortly after on Blue Water Ln and then got onto another bike path, a nice one, that connected us to Leeward Ave, where we turned right. Eric was getting ahead of me, then I would push and close the gap a little bit. Left on Hollowbrook Ct and right on Eclipse Dr, which got us, thankfully, to San Elijo Rd with just a little more climbing until the turn onto Double Peak Dr and back to Atherton St.

Avg speed = 14.8 mph. Total mileage = 46.4 mi

Avg power = 156 W. Weighted avg power = 183 W

Total elevation gain = 4060'

Avg heartrate = 132 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 123

Training Load = 240

Intensity = 83%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17253701963

I was sure glad Ann was coming to meet us for lunch because I was pretty wiped out with all the climbing. Eric's wife Nicole also showed up for lunch, and we ate in the back yard, where I felt bad for the others who weren't shaded by the umbrella. Food was decent, not great, but the beers tasted good after the tough ride. We left around 12:30, and Ann mentioned in the car that she didn't like Catalin's treatment of Paula (she's right). So I don't think we are going to become couple friends. She drove us home, where I had the chance to take a short, much needed nap before we went to an afternoon concert. It was at La Jolla Presbyterian Church, the Spanish Brass were performing. I drove down, the traffic getting into La Jolla was, as usual on a weekend, terrible. This is definitely not my kind of city. The concert was okay, musicians were great, but the songs weren't catchy. I could appreciate the artistry, but it could have been shorter by 30 minutes and I wouldn't have minded. Drove home, again having to navigate traffic to get out of La Jolla. I made scrambled eggs for a late dinner, then watched some TV before heading to bed.

01-31-2026 Ride

Kinda weird Bisikleta ride. I got up after an okay night's sleep and got ready for the ride. It was just barely cold when I left home but generally warmed up as I climbed away from the lake. Through the neighborhood, taking my time because I had left early enough. Then I took the new long route through the 4S Ranch neighborhood. Got there, and Perse was already there, in his new Silverado pickup, looks top-of-the-line. Rob Tran was also there, and James was just pulling in. On this ride, at the start, we had: Perse, Jed, Rob, James, Charlie, and Nel. We headed over to Camino San Bernardo the normal way (by Aaron's place) and took it to 4S Ranch Pkwy, riding down to Dove Creek Rd and using it to get to Dove Canyon Rd. Somehow, we lost several riders, so we waited until they showed up. Turns out that Jed's shifters weren't communicating with his drivetrain. Others tried to help him fix it, without success. Ultimately he decided to ride with us in a single gear, smaller front chainring and smallest gear in the back. We continued on, over to Carmel Valley Rd and up to Black Mountain Rd. I was out in front and was surprised that Jed was pretty much keeping pace with me in his single gear. Left onto Black Mountain Rd, it was starting to warm up by this time. Arnold joined us just before we crossed over the 56. We kept on this road over to Capricorn Way and turned right there, using it as a shortcut to get over to Camino Ruiz. Rob had to pee, so we ended up stopping at the park at the end of Camino Ruiz. Talked for just a little bit, then I rousted everybody to get riding again. Even here, Perse was feeling the effects of not having ridden (or exercised much) in about a month, as well as the jet lag from just landing from his visit to the Philippines. Back to Calle Cristobal, taking it down toward Sorrento Valley. On this stretch, Rob, James, and I got out front. I led for a while, then dropped back and trailed them on the fast descent into Sorrento Valley. We waited for the others at the turn onto Vista Sorrento Pkwy. There was a big group of SDBC D riders that we passed on the little climb up to Carmel Mountain Rd, where we turned left and took it down to Sorrento Valley Rd. Right turn there and onto the bike path that got us over to Carmel Valley Rd. Around here is where we were supposed to meet Fritz, but we had been delayed, so he went looking for us. Thankfully, he found us, and we continued over to PCH. On this ride, James was consistently pushing the pace any time we were on flats or riding downhill. On the climb up into Del Mar, Fritz passed me and left me in the dust, but he was wheezing pretty good when I caught up to him at Del Mar Heights Rd. Through Del Mar and over to the pull-off just past VdlV, where we all gathered up again. From there, it was a moderate pace, not pushing super hard, over to Encinitas, where we stopped for a coffee break at Better Buzz. Only a couple of us had coffee, so I'll have to figure out the best places to stop for the group on future rides. Fritz turned around at this point and rode back to the Park 'n Ride where he had met us. The rest of us kept going to Leucadia Blvd and turned right there. I was a little concerned that the climb from the coast would be hard, but it was definitely manageable, kinda steep in places but not too steep or too long. We gathered again at El Camino Real and waited for Rob to join us. He ended up separating from us here, I think his knee was acting up, and his bike was also making some weird noises. Not sure how he got home from there. Perse was also slowing up. We continued on Olivenhain Rd up to RSF Rd, turning right there and taking it to El Camino del Norte, where we turned left (gathered everybody up again here). I was at the back and ended up riding to the front but still not pushing the pace too hard. Up to Via de Fortuna, where we turned right and rode down to El Montevideo, where we turned left. There was a guy on a bike at that corner who was lost, so I stopped to help him find his way back to Leucadia, and the others got out ahead of me. Thankfully, they waited for me after the right turn onto Paseo Delicias, which we took to get to VdlV. James and I were out in front here, we turned and then rode down to Via de Santa Fe and took El Apajo to San Dieguito Rd. At that turn, I waited for the others and ended up riding with Perse the rest of the way back to the meet-up point. He was really hurting, felt like he had no energy (at least he wasn't cramping). So we were very slow on the climb up to CdS. The others were waiting for us at the turn, all except for Nel, who had ridden ahead. Shortly after we made the turn, Arnold decided to turn around and ride back to his house the shorter way. The rest of us took the straight shot back to the 4S Target, again Perse and I were in the back. I was glad he made it back to the parking lot, it took a lot out of him. I didn't stay for too long, it was definitely warm by this time. Took the new standard way home, again at a moderate pace, no need to try for any records on this day. Felt fine at the end, legs not as tired since I generally took it easy the entire ride and really slowed down the last 10 miles or so.

Avg speed = 15.1 mph. Total mileage = 58.0 mi

Avg power = 134 W. Weighted avg power = 163 W

Total elevation gain = 3402'

Avg heartrate = 122 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 93

Training Load = 245

Intensity = 74%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17242396451

Was a little hungry at the end, even though I really didn't eat much on the ride (I gave my banana to Perse on the Three Witches climb). I ate the last of the leftover pizza from the other evening. In the afternoon I went out in the garage and checked my brake pads, which have been squealing a bit. From the micrometer readings, they still have some life left on them. I recentered the rotor on the rear wheel between the pads, in an effort to keep one of the pistons from over-extending. Will see how it works on tomorrow's ride. Did the dishes in the kitchen as well. Later on, I helped Ann put the lasagna together for dinner. Caleb and Emily came over around 5:30, and we had a birthday dinner for Emily. Was a nice evening, although after dinner the three of them started talking about crocheting and I left for a while. Was a quiet evening after they left.

01-30-2026 Run

Had a night of interrupted sleep, probably because of caffeinated soda for dinner. I went to sleep okay but woke up around 10:00 and couldn't get back to sleep. Read for a while and then was able to sleep until about 6:00 (<>). Got ready for an early-morning run down by the park, a little over four miles, picking up the pace significantly in the last two miles. Still some tenderness in a tendon or ligament on my right knee, not painful but noticeable while running.

Avg pace = 7:48/mi

Total distance = 4.11 mi

Elapsed moving time = 32:06

Avg heartrate = 138 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 23

https://www.strava.com/activities/17228939178

Ate some cereal, a banana, and yogurt for breakfast, then I showered and got ready for my first volunteer shift at the SD Humane Society in Escondido. It took me about 25 minutes to get there, a car drove up and the gate opened for them, so I went in as well. I looked briefly in the dog rooms but wasn't comfortable yet with making kings and giving them to the dogs, so I walked around and found a bunch of linens to fold. That's what I ended up doing, along with stocking the linens areas, for the entire two-hour shift. Got my volunteer shirt as well. Time passed reasonably quickly, I said hi to a number of people and introduced myself to several other volunteers. Rode home after that, it was over 85 deg on the ride home, quite warm. Ate some lunch and watched TV in the early afternoon, then cleaned the kitchen and wet-mopped the downstairs floors. Watched just a little TV in the late afternoon, and it was a quiet evening.

01-29-2026 Swim

Slept okay, although I got up in the night and read for a while before getting back to sleep. Got ready for a swim at the WWC when I woke up, headed over there before it opened. I swam my first 2000 in quite a while, although the third 500 was with the pull buoy and the last 500 was with swim fins. Here are the splits for the four 500s: 9:40, 9:45, 9:27, 8:43. Total elapsed swimming time of 37:35. The last 500, with the fins, was a workout for my legs and cardio, and my arms felt the effects of swimming 2000 yds, so it was a decent level of exertion and more enjoyable since I mixed things up. I averaged 17-18 strokes/length with the pull buoy and 15-16 with the fins.

Avg pace = 1:53/100 yds (Video, not counting pause)

Total distance = 2000 yds

Elapsed moving time = 37:35 (Video)

Avg heartrate = 160 bpm (Zepp, nope)

Relative Effort =  84 (nope)

SWOLF =37

Avg stroke rate = 20 bpm

Avg pull distance = 2.55 yds

https://www.strava.com/activities/17218581855

Had some cereal for breakfast (I'd eaten a banana before the swim). Watched TV in the late morning while I ate some lunch. In the afternoon, I got back on the chore of the front gravel path. Finished getting much of the gravel off the path, then I started washing the dirt off the gravel I had put in a trash bin. This is going to take some time, lots of dirt collected while I was scooping up the gravel. We went out to dinner at Best Pizza and Brew, and it was significantly worse than previous times. Will have to find a new local pizza place. Spent the evening reading and watching TV.

2025 Event Log

01-03-2025    New waxed chain for Fuji bike, SD Folk Heritage Society concert at Poway Templar's Hall with Tyler Grant, opening act was Travis Oliver

01-06-2025    Drive to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for a camping trip

01-08-2025    42nd wedding anniversary, travel home from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

01-10-2025    Rewaxed chain for Fuji bike, concert at Poway Templar's Hall with Gregory Page

01-11-2025    Chill small Bisikleta party at Zac's and Joey's community center

01-13-2025    Dinner at Los Panchos with the UMM (Earl, Paul L., Ben L., Gary, Marty)

01-14-2025    Chats at HP site with Hongwei, Linda, and Emilio

01-15-2025    John's bike crash, beer with Avi at Phil's BBQ, dinner with Raia Slivniak at BJ's

01-16-2025    Travel to Houston for family visit, Genesis G80 all-electric car rental

01-17-2025    Carrie's memorial service in Klein

01-18-2025    Family meeting with Mom, Mark, Ben, and Ross, drive to Kathy's house

01-19-2025    Lunch at Lupe Tortilla Tex-Mex restaurant with Ann, Kathy, and Heather

01-20-2025    Lunch with Ann, Kathy, and Heather at a Thai food restaurant near their house, travel home from Houston

01-21-2025    Successful bike repair (chain replacement) for Canyon bike at Poway Bicycle

01-23-2025    Lunch with the Four Amigos at Stone Brewery

01-28-2025    Lunch with John at Best Pizza & Brew, spackling skylight area

01-31-2025    Started painting skylight area

02-01-2025    Finished painting skylight area, Emily's birthday dinner at home

02-02-2025    Changed oil in scooter, SD Folk Heritage Society concert at Pilgrim UCC with Four Shillings Short

02-03-2025    Built retaining wall for peach tree

02-07-2025    Saw A Complete Unknown

02-08-2025    Hazardous waste drop-off at Miramar College, dinner at Linda and Gregory's house

02-10-2025    COVID booster shot, Leos dinner at Los Panchos

02-14-2025    New HOKA running shoes

02-17-2025    New wedding ring, lunch with Earl at Dumplings n More

02-18-2025    Annual ride-through pass for Camp Pendleton, HP Indigo worker get-together at Miguel's Cocina

02-19-2025    Picked up Dad's old ring, repaired, at Unicorn Jewelers

02-20-2025    Travel to Tokyo, watched Emilia Perez on the plane

02-22-2025    Visited Yushima Shrine

02-23-2025    Walk through Ueno Park, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku area (Takeshita St), Yoyogi Park

02-24-2025    Visited Asakusa area, Senso-ji Shrine, Yanaka neighborhood

02-25-2025    Day in Nikko, including Hondo Main Hall, Kanman-ga-fuchi Abyss trail

02-26-2025    Visited Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan, Kanda Myoujin Shrine, outside Imperial Palace grounds, TeamLab Borderless exhibition

02-27-2025    Show at The Samurai Restaurant, walk around the Shinjuku area and then over to Shibuya to see Shibuya Scramble and walk around that area

02-28-2025    Travel to Nagano, visited Zenkoji Temple, train to Yudanaka and stay at ryokan, walked to three onsen hot baths and sat in onsen at ryokan as well

03-01-2025    Visited Snow Monkey Park, Hokutai Museum, little craft store, Yamabouiboui restaurant, private onsen at ryokan

03-02-2025    Sat in hotel onsen, travel to Kyoto

03-03-2025    Visited COYOTE The Roots coffee shop, Nishiki Market, Yasaka Pagoda, Hokan-ji Temple, Yasaka Kamimachi neighborhood with Sennen-Zaka path, Ryozen Kannon Temple, Dai-un-in Temple, Yasaka Shrine

03-04-2025    Went to Kyoto Kaleidoscope Museum, Veginny vegan restaurant, Zenkyo-an Temple, Kenninji Temple, tried (without success) to visit bar with table magic

03-05-2025    Visited Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Seikanji Temple

03-06-2025    Visited Inari Shrine with many Torii gates and Mt Inari

03-07-2025    Travel to Hiroshima, ate at Tex-Mex restaurant that is a blues music landmark, visited Hiroshima Peace Museum, Victims Memorial Cenotaph, Eternal Flame of Peace, Children's Peace Monument, and Atomic Bomb Dome

03-08-2025    Visited Miyajima island, walked by Hokokujinja Shinto Shrine, saw Buddhist Daigan-ji Temple with Hocho Shiki ceremony, saw large Torii gate in water, travel to Osaka

03-09-2025    Went to Osaka Castle Park with owl and dachshund on display, re-watched Tenet

03-10-2025    Visited Nara, seeing Kohfuku-ji Temple, Nara deer, Dotonbori neighborhood in Osaka with Oko-Fun Bar and its excellent okonomiyaki

03-11-2025    Travel to Hakone area, visited Odawara Castle, Yumoto village

03-12-2025    Took Hakone Tozan Rail train with switchbacks, traveled to Gora, took cable car and ropeway to Togendai village by Lake Ashi, traveled to Kamakura

03-13-2025    Travel back home from Japan, rewatched Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning on plane

03-20-2025    Lunch with Ann, Dennis, Karen, John, and Vivian at Oggi's

03-21-2025    Travel to Houston

03-24-2025    Lunch with Mark at Salata in Houston, dinner at Matthew's house with Ben, Matthew, Lauren, Rebecca, Amber, Hannah, Abigail, Lauren's sister Amber and her husband Roman, and all their kids, along with Lauren's dad and stepmother

03-25-2025    Travel home from Houston

03-27-2025    Hiked to Potato Chip Rock with Andy

03-28-2025    Planted new peach tree

03-29-2025    Lunch after ride with the Bisikleta group at Marco's Pizza

04-02-2025    Dinner with Ann and Emily at Mira Mesa Best Pizza n Brew

04-03-2025    Lunch with Charlie at Havana Cuban restaurant

04-05-2025    Century ride around San Diego County with Mike and Joe

04-06-2025    Saw cover band Cadillac Fringe at Rancho Guajito Winery

04-07-2025    Lunch with Howard and Yi-Hua at Mama Cella's

04-08-2025    Dental cleaning at Carmel Mountain Dental Care, hike up Iron Mountain with Andy

04-10-2025    65th Anniversary Second City touring group at the UCSD Epstein Family Amphitheater

04-11-2025    Coffee with John Stoffel at HP, saw Emilio Lopez, Jessica Fletcher, Britt Christenson, James Kiang, and Jason Swei, travel to South Carlsbad State Beach for camping with Charlie and Leslie, Andy, Edson, Gideon, Luchi, Liam, Cam, and his wife were camping there too

04-12-2025    Saw The Role Models by The Camp Store

04-13-2025    Travel home from camping, lunch with Eric Sweet at The Loving Hut

04-14-2025    Lunch with Hongwei at Viktor's Cafe, dinner with the Leos at Los Panchos

04-15-2025    Ride and lunch with Pat and Ann at Sonny's Restaurant

04-18-2025    Dermatologist appointment with Mark Vierra

04-19-2025    Dinner with Emily, Caleb, Nick, and Jen at their apartment

04-22-2025    Travel to Gilbert Ray Campground outside Tucson

04-23-2025    Visited Saguaro National Park (visitor center, Bajada Loop), walked around downtown Tucson, went to Pima County Fair, saw Switchfoot in concert

04-24-2025    Travel to Rockhound State Park

04-25-2025    Took Thunder Egg Trail around park, travel to Guadalupe Mountains National Park

04-26-2025    Visited Carlsbad Caverns National Park, saw live bat presentation

04-27-2025    Ranger talk at Guadalupe Mountains NP Visitor Center, visited Smith Family Homestead, Smith Springs, Butterfield Stagecoach Stop

04-28-2025    Travel to Turquoise Creek Campground outside Albuquerque   

04-29-2025    Drove through and hiked in Petrified Forest National Park (including Crystal Forest, Rainbow Forest, Blue Mesa loops), traveled to Holbrook KOA Campground

04-30-2025    Travel to Cave Springs Campground in Coconino National Forest

05-01-2025    Hike from Yavapai parking lot to Bell Rock Vista parking lot and then back a different way

05-02-2025    Kia Sportage car trouble, travel home from camping

05-04-2025    Dinner with Ann and Rob at MexicanBar

05-06-2025    Meet-up with HP Indigo workers at Miguel's Cocina

05-08-2025    Bike ride with James Kiang

05-09-2025    Run at UCSD with Audrey Arinello

05-11-2025    Lunch with Ann and Emily at Panya Thai

05-12-2025    Leos dinner at Los Panchos

05-13-2025    Sprinkler line leak repair, built walls for second garden bed, drink with Avi at Phil's BBQ

05-16-2025    Trip to Boise to visit Blair, see Guangjin and Eric

05-17-2025    Visited Boise Capitol

05-18-2025    Ride with Blair in Boise

05-19-2025    Travel home from Boise

05-23-2025    Started sifting gravel in frontyard path, saw Casey Abrams at Lou Lou's Club

05-24-2025    Palomar ride up to Boucher Lookout from Harrah's and back, lunch with Ray, Arnold, and Nel at Jilberto's

05-26-2025    Dinner at home with John, Vivian, Brooke, and Stephen

05-27-2025    Put up shade cover posts by first garden bed

05-30-2025    Viewing for Anna Lagman's mother, saw Ashley E Norton, Jeff Berkley, and Tim Flannery in concert at the Athenaeum

05-31-2025    Farewell lunch for Zac and Joey at Mendocino Farms with Ann and Bisikleta riders

06-02-2025    New Big Agnes tent body received

06-03-2025    First ocean swim at Ventura Cove, CBS8 news appearance

06-05-2025    Lunch with Ann, John, Vivian, Dennis, and Karen at Chan Dara Thai, set shade cover posts for second garden bed

06-06-2025    Shabbat dinner at FUMC Escondido, new Amazfit Active 2 watch

06-07-2025    Changed oil on scooter

06-10-2025    Picked up new used 2021 RAV4

06-11-2025    Happy hour with Emily and Caleb at On the Border

06-12-2025    Happy hour with HP and ex-HP folks at Phil's BBQ

06-15-2025    Father's Day lunch with Ann and Emily, concert with Berkley Hart Selis Twang, Tim Flannery opened

06-20-2025    Summer Day celebration

06-22-2025    San Diego International Sprint Triathlon

06-24-2025    Lunch with Joe at Micheline's Pita House

06-27-2025    Lunch with Charlie at Tasty Noodle House, dinner with Ann, Rob, and Isabelle at T&T

06-28-2025    Had dinner with Kay and Earl at Farmer's Bottega, saw Music of the Knights at Rady Shell with Enrico Lopez-Yanez conducting

06-29-2025    Concert with Gregory Page at Old Poway Park

07-01-2025    Lunch with Joe at Chito's Taco Shop

07-02-2025    Ocean swim with Charlie at La Jolla Shores

07-03-2025    Dinner with Paula, Catalin, Maria, Andrea, Ivana, and their friends at San Elijo State Beach

07-04-2025    Dinner with the Swobodas, Hawkins, Pauleys, and Dijaks at Joe and Cathie's house, fireworks from Mary Anne's new office

07-06-2025    Concert with Blue Breeze Band at Lake Poway Park

07-07-2025    Dinner with Ann, Emily, and Caleb at Yanni's

07-08-2025    Ride up to Santa Ysabel and back

07-09-2025    Ocean swim with Charlie at La Jolla Shores, Noises Off at the Old Globe Theater

07-10-2025    RAV4 smog check, lunch with Earl at Firangi, happy hour with HP and ex-HP folks at Phil's BBQ

07-11-2025    First meeting with Jeff Ross

07-13-2025    Summer concert in Coronado at Spreckels Park with Cassie B

07-15-2025    Travel to June Lake (at 7700' elevation)

07-17-2025    Travel to Reno to visit the Thompsons

07-18-2025    Concert with Alison Krauss and Union Station, Willie Watson opened, at Grand Sierra Resort

07-19-2025    Ride with David around Washoe Lake

07-20-2025    Ride with David to an overlook above Audrey Harris Park, drive to Donner Lake, saw musical Peter and the Starcatcher at an outdoor theater near Lake Tahoe

07-21-2025    Ride with Connor out to California border and back, concert show with Uptown at Barley Ranch Regional Park (Rew and Sue joined us)

07-22-2025    Travel to Ridgecrest

07-23-2025    Travel home

07-27-2025    Summer concert with Pomerado Community Band at Old Poway Park

07-30-2025    Padres game with John, Dennis, Karen, Ross, and Kenda

07-31-2025    Palomar ride up to Mt Palomar Observatory from Harrah's, drinks with James K. at Karl Strauss

08-02-2025    Curebound Pedal the Cause ride with Paula, Catalin, Rob, Marc Lee, Dan Goese, and Nicole Ludden

08-08-2025    Padres came with Ann, Emily, and Caleb

08-12-2025    Ride up to Julian and beyond

08-13-2025    Fiddler on the Roof with Ann and HP retiree group at the Moonlight Amphitheatre

08-14-2025    Travel to Crowley Lake Campground and overnight camping there

08-15-2025    Travel to Echo Lakes parking lot, then to Eagle Falls parking lot, followed by hike to Upper Velma Lake and overnight camping with Charlie, Leslie, Blake, Christina, Jambo, Lisa, and Ray

08-16-2025    Hike to Aloha Lake and overnight camping

08-17-2025    Hike back to Echo Lakes, then a long drive back home

08-19-2025    Visit to Mingei Museum and SD Museum of Art in Balboa Park

08-22-2025    Hot ride to Tom's Farms, travel from there to La Verne to stay with the Humes, dinner with them and the Domonoskes at the Peel Claremont

08-23-2025    Potluck dinner with the Humes, Littles, Combs, and Harris's

08-24-2025    Lunch with Humes, Mohls, Littles, and Pearl Viggers

08-25-2025    Visit to San Diego by Blair Butler, ride with him and Paula, dinner with Blair

08-26-2025    Happy hour at Karl Strauss with Blair, James K, Kyle, and Will

08-28-2025    Palomar ride up to Boucher Lookout with Charlie, HP San Diego site closure event

08-29-2025    Songwriter Sanctuary concert featuring Hailey Wetzel, Lexi Pulido, and Julia Sage at Normal Heights United Church

08-30-2205    Lunch with Ann and Blair at Charm Thai Cafe, new used car for Mom, Bisikleta summer beach party at Jed's place in Oceanside

08-31-2025    12 times up inside route of Torrey Pines, beer with Joe Swoboda at Bear Roots Tavern

09-01-2025    Travel to Madrid

09-02-2025    Arrival in Madrid

09-03-2025    Tour of Madrid Royal Palace, walk through Barrio de Las Letras, walk over to see Temple of Debod from the outside, Plaza de España

09-04-2025    Train trip to Toledo to see the Toledo Cathedral, statue of Federico Bahamontes

09-05-2025    Travel to Girona, meet-up with Pat, drove to Mark and Karmi's place in Palamos to see them along with Stuart and Helen, dinner with them all (along with other friends Emma and James), late-night street party in Begur

09-06-2025    Ride through the countryside with Mark and Pat, including La Ganga from both directions, swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding

09-07-2025    Ride with Pat, Mark, and some of his riding buddies (Krista, Susie, and her husband Jean-Michel), including Romanya de la Selva, Sant Grau, and descent to ride along Costa Brava, lunch with Mark, Karmi, Stuart, Helen, and Pat, dinner with Mark and Karmi

09-08-2025    Travel by train to Avignon

09-09-2025    Sightseeing day in Aix en Provence (cathedral) and Arles (Roman amphitheatre, underground crypts)

09-10-2025    Ride up Mt Ventoux from Bedoin, notification of shutdown of US LEP R&D operations, walk through Avignon city center

09-11-2025    Wine tasting drive through Beaumes-de-Venise, Malaucène (lunch), Vacqueyras valley, stopping at Les Vignerons de Roaix Seguret, Domaine de Montvac, Chateau La Nerthe

09-12-2025    Drive to Grenoble, lunch at Chavant (Michelin guide) with Ann and Pat

09-13-2025    Ride down, then up, Alpe d-Huez

09-14-2025    Fixed washing machine, drive to Lyon, walk through Lyon Central Park

09-15-2025    Visited Les Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse, stolen wallet, walking tour of old town Lyon

09-16-2025    Visited Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, ancient Roman ruins of outdoor theater and indoor (no longer) odion, Roman history museum, nice French food lunch with Pat and Ann, Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Place Bellecour

09-17-2025    Another visit to Les Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse for an enjoyable lunch, train travel to Paris hotel near airport

09-18-2025    Travel home from Paris via San Francisco

09-25-2025    Happy hour at Phil's BBQ with HP and ex-HP folks

09-26-2025    Miramar Air Show, featuring the USN Blue Angels

09-27-2025    Bisikleta group lunch after ride at Marco's Pizza

10-01-2025    Enrolled in Medicare Supplement insurance via Alight

10-02-2025    Lunch with John, Vivian, Brooke, Steven, and Julio Rodriguez

10-03-2025    Rummage sale at San Dieguito UMC

10-04-2025    Long (90 miles) Bisikleta ride, found out about Sue Goodenow's death, church potluck and game night

10-05-2025    Dinner with Emily and Caleb at Best Pizza & Brew in CMR

10-06-2025    Ocean swim at Ventura Cove in Mission Bay

10-07-2025    Set up medical alert subscription for Mom with Bay Alarm Medical

10-09-2025    Dental cleaning, happy hour at Phil's BBQ

10-10-2025    Concert in Lyric Court at Escondido Performing Arts Center, opening act was the Honey Buckets, feature band was MohaviSoul

10-11-2025    Ross Anderson's 60th birthday party at Kenda's office house in Encinitas

10-12-2025    Mission Bay Sprint Triathlon, sold Kia Sportage to CarMax

10-13-2025    Oil change for scooter

10-15-2025    Dinner at home with Emily

10-16-2025    Coffee at HP with Brooke, John, Gary, and Dan, concert at Lou Lou's with Haley Reinhart

10-18-2025    Concert with John McCutcheon at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in UTC

10-24-2025    Driver's license renewal, with RealID, in El Cajon, installed new toilet in upstairs bathroom

10-25-2025    Concert in North City, opening act was The Lonesome Roses, feature band was Music by Eras

10-26-2025    Bisikleta DB meeting at our house: Andy, Perse, Arnold, and Gideon

10-28-2025    Ann's fun day: walk at Torrey Pines SB, Heritage Park, Whaley House, lunch at Flor's Farm to Table, Dia de los Muertos displays, drinks at Raised by Wolves, dinner at Ramen Nagi

10-30-2025    Lunch with the Four Amigos (John paid), along with Ann, Vivian, and Karen, at Ju Feng Yuan Dumpling Cafe

10-31-2025    Farewell lunch for Thanh at Genki Sushi, Halloween sushi potluck at Avi's house

11-04-2025    Drinks with Barak Rosenstein and Roman Katz at RB Inn

11-05-2025    Happy Hour with Ann, Emily, and Caleb at On the Border

11-06-2025    Lunch with Ann, Charlie, and Leslie at Tofu House, dinner with Barak, Roman, Guangjin, James, and Kyle at Café Luna

11-07-2025    Walk around the La Jolla tide pools

11-08-2025    2025 Udo Memorial Ride with other Bisikleta riders and Paula, concert at Old Poway Park with Jeff Berkley and Sara Petite

11-10-2025    Ride up Palomar East Grade, start of camping trip at Palomar Mountain State Park

11-12-2025    Travel home from camping trip at Palomar Mountain State Park

11-15-2025    Rain ride with Aaron, Bisikleta DB dinner at California English, everybody showed up , along with Cam and Thom, except Rob

11-18-2025    Birthday fun day: Bruce Springsteen biopic, lunch at Din Tai Fung in UTC, women's volleyball match at UCSD

11-20-2025    Ride from home with Pat, lunch with him and Ann at Sab-E-Lee, truly unplugged concert near Haven Farm + Table with The Lonesome Roses and Sean Watkins

11-21-2025    Lunch with Hongwei at Tandoori Xpress (?)

11-22-2026    Droneart drone show at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista

11-24-2025    Laura and Joe arrive for Thanksgiving week visit

11-26-2025    Surprise 65th birthday gathering at Pitchers, with Ann, Perse, Charlie, Andy, Cam, Eric, Gideon, and Fritz

11-27-2025    Turkey Trot in 4S Ranch with Laura

11-28-2025    Breakfast with Laura and Joe at Mama Kat's, 2-hour harbor cruise with Joe, dinner at the house with everybody and then drove to National Comedy Theater

11-29-2025    Thanksgiving dinner with Ann, Laura, Joe, Emily, and Caleb, some family drama

11-30-2025    Time trial route bike ride with John, Dave, and Jim

12-01-2026    Ride with John and Dave

12-04-2025    Coffee at HP with Brooke, John, and Gary

12-05-2025    December Nights at Balboa Park, Organ-ism, Confirming (The USAF Band of the Golden West), San Diego Gay Men's Chorus at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Cobby Brezki's Vintage Girl in a Modern World Swing Band at Spanish Village, Royce's Voices at the Mingei

12-09-2025    First day of jury duty

12-11-2025    Maritime Museum, dinner at Saffron Noodle House, Ebenezer Scrooge's Big San Diego Christmas Show at Old Globe Theater

12-13-2025    Bisikleta Christmas party at our house, won a TV as the raffle grand prize

12-14-2025    Palomar East Grade and Observatory ride with Paula, Catalin, and John

12-17-2025    Dinner at Mongolian Stir Fresh with Ann, John, Vivian, Jayden, Jim, and Krista

12-18-2025    Burnout Paradise at La Jolla Playhouse

12-19-2025    Dinner at La Especial Norte, drinks at 1st Street Bar, Melody League Christmas Show at La Paloma Theater, featuring Titus Houg, Shua and Marcus Patterson, Molly Pardin and Matthew Wright, Jordy Searcy, Telephone Friends (featuring John Van Deusen), and John Foreman and Friends

12-20-2025    Charlie Brown Christmas 5k Run with Caleb (and Avi and Dawn), then brunch with Caleb at Chito's Taco Shop

12-21-2025    Lunch with Ann, Catalin, and Paula at Taste of Thai

12-22-2025    $40k distribution from 401(K)

12-24-2025    11:00 Christmas Eve service with Emily's solo

12-25-2025    Celebrated Christmas with Ann, Emily, and Caleb

12-28-2025    Countdown on Grand: An NYE Celebration show (Mel Collins, Michael Washington, Jim Graft, Patrick Barnitt, and the D. Ben-jamin Band) at The Grand Ritz Theater

12-29-2025    Happy Hour dinner with Emily at On the Border

12-30-2025    Watched Marty Supreme at the Regal Theater in Escondido, beer with Avi at Phil's BBQ

12-31-2025    Moderna COVID booster at Von's, New Year's Eve parties at Avi's and Aaron's homes

Books read

John Scalzi, The Last Emperox

James Patterson and Alex Abramovitch, All-American Murder: The Rise and Fall of Aaron Hernandez

James S.A. Corey, The Mercy of Gods

James McBride, Deacon King Kong

Hugh Aldersey-Williams, Periodic Tales: A Cultural History of the Elements, from Arsenic to Zinc

Ursula K. Leguin, The Eye of the Heron

Ursula K. LeGuin, The Beginning Place

Viet Thanh Nguyen, The Sympathizer

Erik Larson, The Demon of Unrest

Timothy Zahn, Deadman Switch

Jeff Pearlman, Three Ring Circus

Michael Connelly, Resurrection Walk

M.R. Carey, Infinity Gate

Cixin Liu, The Dark Forest

Scott Howard Cooper, Kingdom on Fire

Timothy Snyder, On Freedom

John D. MacDonald, A Purple Place for Dying

Mark Synnott, Into the Ice

Ian Douglas, Galaxy Raiders: Abyss

Steven Barnes, Star Wars: Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss

John D. MacDonald, Bright Orange for the Shroud

Gary Rivlin, AI Valley

Kevin Bryant, Spies on the Sidelines

Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale

Edward Ashton, The Fourth Consort

Dava Sobel, The Elements of Marie Curie

Paul Murray, The Bee Sting

Robert Ludlum, The Bourne Ultimatum

Robert Ludlum, The Bourne Supremacy

Blake Crouch, Run

Megan O'Keefe, The Two Lies of Faven Sythe

Adrian Tchaikovsky, Service Model

Karen Hao, Empire of AI

John Scalzi, The Shattering Peace

John Scalzi, The Ghost Brigades

Kate Kitagawa, The Secret Lives of Numbers