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

01-28-2026 Run/Ride

Slept well, essentially through the night, for the first time in a while. It was a tiring day on Tuesday, that's probably why. I woke up and decided to go for an easy-ish early morning run. It was cold enough to warrant a hat and gloves, but they were sufficient. Down to the park and around twice before returning, standard 5k route. I had fairly significant negative splits for the first three miles and was moving reasonably well in the last mile.

Avg pace = 8:22/mi

Total distance = 3.21 mi

Elapsed moving time = 26:54

Avg heartrate = 130 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 10

https://www.strava.com/activities/17206550497

Got home and prepped for a bike ride, not really knowing where or how far I was going to go. Got all ready and then saw that my front tire was flat, so I changed it quickly and got going around 8:00. Through the neighborhood and all the way around Matinal Circle, then I took W Bernardo Dr to RB Rd and headed east. Morning traffic around there is definitely sketchy. I rode up to Bernardo Center Dr and turned right there, then took a left on Lomica Dr to ride through that neighborhood. Over to Higa Pl and thus to Pomerado Rd. My legs were tired from the previous day as well as the run, so this was a casual-paced ride. Up to Twin Peaks Rd, turning left there and riding up to Community Rd, where I turned right. Over to Poway Rd, turning right again and starting to head home. I rode down to RB Rd and then took it up to Matinal Rd (a little extra distance) before heading home through the neighborhood. Felt a little better at the end than at the beginning.

Avg speed = 15.4 mph. Total mileage = 18.4 mi

Avg power = 128 W. Weighted avg power = 146 W

Total elevation gain = 960

Avg heartrate = 116 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 18

Training Load = 57

Intensity = 66%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17207585593

Was hungry when I got home, had some cereal and coffee and that helped. Spent a relaxing time before I had to get ready for my volunteer shift. Nothing special at the hospital, I stopped at Sprouts on the way home and bought some fruit. Thought about buying a snack but they were ridiculously expensive. Got home, put air in the scooter tires, and talked to Laura about the Italy trip. It was a quiet evening, watched some TV and read.

01-27-2026 Ride

Woke up during the night and read for a while, still took some time after that for me to get back to sleep. Had some vivid dreams as well, and woke up early (<!>). Today was the planned day for a longer training ride for the upcoming century, so I got ready and left the house around 7:15. It was colder than I had planned for, definitely in the high 30s, so the ride through the neighborhood to RB Rd was painful, especially on the downhill section. Once I got to 4S Ranch, it was starting to warm up and not so bad. Over to CdS, taking it all the way to the 56 bike path. It got cold again by the descent before the CdS Bump. Initially, I chose a fairly modest pace and held it, I guess, until I got to the 56 bike path, where I started riding a little harder. All the way to the end and then over to Carmel Valley Rd to get to PCH, where I turned right. Once I got onto PCH, I put my head down and focused on keeping about as high a speed as I could maintain for an extended period. I stayed on PCH through Solana Beach, Cardiff, Encinitas, Leucadia, Carlsbad, and into south Oceanside. The wind was light, not such a factor positive or negative. I did stop and eat a banana just after VdlV but otherwise kept pedaling. I turned left on Eaton St to get to Broadway St, which I took to Cassidy St. Left turn there to get to Pacific St, which I took all the way into Oceanside, turning right on Harbor Dr. I rode past the marina to the end of Harbor Dr, turned around and retraced my route, stopping briefly to unwrap a granola bar so I could eat it while riding. The ride back on Pacific St was slower, and I dropped my average speed on this section. Back to PCH heading south. Again, no issues with headwinds, but my legs were more tired than on the outbound route. I stayed on PCH all the way back into Encinitas, going kinda slow up the tiny little climbs along the way. Took the normal side streets in Encinitas before getting back to PCH. Shortly after, I stopped at Swami's Beach for a bathroom break and a very short rest. I ate a couple of dates here, thinking I would stop along the way at a convenience store and get some more food. Rode over to VdlV, where I turned left and followed the normal way back into the Del Sur neighborhood. Kept up a decent, albeit slower than normal, pace on the flats, but I was slow going up Three Witches, which was a physical and mental struggle to just keep pedaling. Once I turned onto CDS I got a call from Ben, saw it when I stopped briefly at the turn onto Paseo del Sur to make sure it wasn't Ann calling. Took this road back to CdS, slowing noticeably by this time. From that turn I took the new normal way home, the climbs were a workout for my tired legs. Was really glad to get home, Ann wasn't home yet.

Avg speed = 17.1 mph. Total mileage = 75.7 mi

Avg power = 151 W. Weighted avg power = 169 W

Total elevation gain = 2780'

Avg heartrate = 130 bpm (! Coospo)

Relative Effort = 149

Training Load = 284

Intensity = 77%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17197772956

I was pretty slow just putting my gear away in the garage, felt really good to sit down on the couch, eat some lunch, and watch a little TV. Ann showed up around this time. As seen by my average heartrate above, this turned out to be a bigger effort than originally intended. I ended up setting a PR for 100k distance (3:48:23, 16.3 mph). After I climbed into Del Mar, my average speed on the 40-mile PCH segment out to Oceanside and back to VdlV was 17.8 mph, with a weighted avg power of 182 W. I recovered fairly quickly, although my right leg was a little sore from the effort. Ann booked the tickets for our trip to Italy to see Laura, then we went to Dairy Queen for an ice cream cone (payback for Ann cutting my hair). We also went to Aldi and got some stuff while we were out. The rest of the day and evening were quiet.

01-26-2026 Swim

Slept pretty well, although I did wake up after midnight and read for a little bit before getting back to sleep. Got up around 6:00 and continued the MP3 project, also looked at Maui rental car prices, which aren't as high as I thought they would be. I also signed up for my two introductory shifts at the San Diego Humane Society. Did the dishes and then got ready for a swim at the WWC. It was just me and Cathy in the pool, so not much chop in the water. I tried out my new swim fins on the last 500 of a 1500 yd swim, and they work great, really propel me through the water. I went from 20 strokes/length to 16. Here are the times for my 3 500s, not including the break to put my swim fins on: 9:36, 9:51, 8:35. Total elapsed time of 28:02.

Avg pace = 1:52/100 yds (Video, not counting pause)

Total distance = 1500 yds

Elapsed moving time = 28:02 (Video)

Avg heartrate = 162 bpm (Zepp, nope)

Relative Effort =  54 (nope)

SWOLF =36

Avg stroke rate = 20 bpm

Avg pull distance = 2.49 yds

https://www.strava.com/activities/17184541266

Got home and had oatmeal for breakfast, was hungry. Then I cleaned all the junk clogging Ann's sink in the bathroom, was pretty gross. Put the lawn mower back together, added some gas and car cleaner to get it to start, then cut the grass in the back yard. Drained and disconnected fuel afterwards and put it back up. I watched some TV, got a bean and cheese burrito for lunch, then adjusted my rear brake to get to stop rubbing (hope this works for a while until it's time to change brake pads). In the afternoon, I started removing gravel from the path in the front yard as part of the effort to take out the weeds. I'm going to try to apply some kind of soil binder to see if that slows down weed growth. I also finished creating a library of MP3 versions of my albums, went much quicker after I vibe-coded the file transfer program. Had a quiet evening 

01-25-2026 Ride

Slept well, got up around 6:00, downloaded the volunteer guide for the San Diego Humane Society and went through it. Then I got ready for a bike ride. It was in the low 40s, colder than it's been recently. I bundled up a little more, also tried the gloves that Paula gave to me. Headed up Aguamiel Rd and over to Duenda Rd, initially following the reverse of the time trial course. Gloves worked okay, but my fingers were still colder than I would have liked. Stayed on the reverse course until Sabre Springs Pkwy, where I turned right on Evening Creek Dr, took it down to Sabre Hill Dr, and took a right there to climb up the small hill. Then back down to Evening Creek Dr and back to Sabre Springs Dr, turning left on Poway Rd and riding until I took a right turn onto Oak Knoll Rd. I followed this road all the way until it dead-ended, turning left on Seiler St and then right on Buckley St to get to Poway Community Park. I cut through the park on sidewalks, which took me over to Civic Center Dr. Back to Poway Rd, turning left there and riding down to Pomerado Rd.From there to home, I was back on the reverse of the time trial route. Took it slow on this ride, no inclination to push the pace.

Avg speed = 15.1 mph. Total mileage = 21.8 mi

Avg power = 136. Weighted avg power = 158 W

Total elevation gain = 1140'

Avg heartrate = 112 bpm

Relative Effort = 18

Training Load = 77

Intensity = 72%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17174892686

I was hungry by the time I got home. Had eaten a banana and a biscuit before the ride, but it wasn't enough. I made some coffee and ate some toast and yogurt, then I got ready to ride over to the SD Humane Society in Escondido for new volunteer orientation. The orientation was decent, lots of background jobs need to get done, but I'm wondering it they will keep me constantly busy during my volunteer shifts. Will give it a try and see how it goes. Ate a bigger lunch (hungry again) when I got home while I watched some TV. Then I did some cool vibe-coding. I've been creating MP3 copies of all my music files so that I can load them onto my waterproof bone conduction headphones. I found a program, Free M4a to MP3 Converter, that does batch file conversions and stores the results in a single folder. So I asked ChatGPT to write me code that would read the album name metadata from the files, create a folder with that album name, then move the file to that folder. After a couple of minor adjustments to the code, it worked great. I'd been creating, naming, and populating the folders manually before that, and it was tedious. This method is super fast and will save me a lot of time.

Update on books. I recently finished Mark Bowden's Black Hawk Down. It was well researched and a harrowing narrative about a mission in Mogadishu that went south quickly when a couple of helicopters were shot down. Started John Scalzi's The Last Colony, which I may have read before. It's the third book in the Old Man's War series. Tried to talk to Mom in the early evening, but she was feeling out of sorts. I chatted a little with Ross about the medical alert button, which she hasn't been wearing and which she is signaling that she wants to discontinue. Watched some TV with Ann in the evening, continued with my MP3 file collection, then read for a while before bed (<>).

01-24-2026 Ride

Slept okay, went to bed early the night before. Ann and I had a disagreement about something fairly trivial, and I just kept a low profile. Got up after a long sleep and got ready for the Bisikleta bike ride. Should probably have eaten something before heading out. Temperature was in the 50s, sky overcast, and I felt a couple of raindrops and some mist on the ride over. Rode through the neighborhood and then the extended route through the 4S Ranch neighborhood. Andy and James were there when I showed up. At the start of this ride, we had the following riders: Andy, Jed, Jed A., Nel, and James. We headed out CdS in dry weather, no precipitation to speak of. I was pushing the pace a little bit, as was James, particularly on the flats and descents. Over to Carmel Valley Rd, turning right there. I waited for all the others to show up at the turn, then we continued on. James and I got out in front by a fair amount, then we saw the text that one of the riders (it was Andy) had gotten a flat. We rode to the left turn onto the 56 bike path, where Arnold was waiting. It seemed like it took forever (probably 25 minutes or so) for the others to fix the flat, then they showed up. We rode on the bike path up to Black Mountain Rd, turning right there and heading downhill together. Not so long after we started the gradual climb into Mira Mesa, there was another text, another flat (this time, it was Jed). Nel rode back to see if they (Jed and Arnold) needed help, and the rest of us waited for another 30 minutes or so. Frustrating! After we gathered up, Jed used Jed A.'s electric pump to put more air in his tire because his pump had run out of battery (numerous problems pumping the tire up and disconnecting the pump). I waited for Jed A. to stow his bike pump while the others took off, then we pushed a bit to try and catch them (a stoplight helped us). Then James and I were out in front again as we continued past Carroll Canyon Rd and then turned left on Maya Linda Rd and then getting back to Carroll Canyon Rd. Right turn there, across the freeway, then a right on Businesspark Ave, followed by a left on Willow Creek Rd, to get over to Pomerado Rd. There was a little climb that I used to separate from the others, and we gathered up again as we made a left here. Up to the top, I was out front and not pushing too hard, although I put in a bigger effort on the steeper section near the top. Arnold and Jed A. hung with me to the top. Again, we gathered up here and then rode down Pomerado Rd and stopped for a break at the gas station on the corner at the bottom of the hill. I thought about getting something more to eat, had already eaten my granola bar at the first wait and my banana at the second. Again, I should have eaten something more. We continued on Pomerado Rd to Stowe Dr, turning right there and riding up to Community Rd. I was at the back of the group at the turn, and Arnold had gotten out in front. I had to work pretty hard to catch up to him. We turned left there, waited for the others, then rode down the hill and over to Twin Peaks Rd. Here is where Jed A. peeled off and headed for home, while the rest of us turned right and rode up to Espola Rd. I was getting tired here, legs still held out okay. Left turn and the climb up to the high school, where we waited by the light at Titan Way. James and Andy were the last ones, and for some reason they turned and headed left there. So I modified the route and took us up to Riparian Rd, turning right and riding down to Lake Poway Rd, where we turned right (James and I out in front) and rode down to Summer Sage Rd, our original route. Left turn and we were back on course. We used Bridlewood Rd to get back to Espola Rd, turned left and rode down to Valle Verde Rd. Right turn, took this little climb to get over to Old Winery Rd, where we turned left and rode to the end of the cul-de-sac, using the sidewalk to get over to Paseo del Verano. Left turn and some up and down riding to get back to Pomerado Rd, where we turned right and rode down to Escala Dr. Gathered up everybody here and used it to get to Duenda Rd. I pushed pretty hard on the climb, trying to catch James, who had left early and was far out in front. I did catch him just before the light, but it took a lot out of me. At the right turn, I felt a couple of isolated raindrops, decided then that I wasn't going to ride all the way back to the starting point. So we all rode down to W Bernardo Dr and then headed up to RB Rd. Again, James had gotten way out ahead of us, so on the climb I figured I would catch him and then turn around to head for home. I did, but it took me to Camino San Bernardo. I waited there and waved at the others as they passed, then headed home through the neighborhood. Didn't get rained on, but this was a harder ride than I thought it would be.

Avg speed = 15.6 mph. Total mileage = 48.3 mi

Avg power = 138 W. Weighted avg power = 171 W

Total elevation gain = 3370'

Avg heartrate = 125 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 86

Training Load = 223

Intensity = 78%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17164756524

Was tired when I got home, not yet ready to eat something substantial, so I had some pretzels and peanut butter, then chips and salsa before tucking into leftover potato salad. Watched a replay of a Tour Down Under stage and then read for a bit while Ann reserved the airplane tickets for the four of us to go to Maui, she also reserved the AirBnB. In the evening we went out to dinner with Rob and Isabelle at Pho Ca Dao. Service was pretty terrible, I think the staff were overwhelmed by the number of people. Food was decent, although they had run out of tofu. Good conversation about traveling (Isabelle to France in March), Juliette (she graduates in the spring), Rob's healing (progressing nicely, not perfect but good enough). Nice time, they got a used Hyundai Ionic 5 electric car that they like. Home and reading before going to bed.

01-23-2026 Swim/Run

Had a decent night's rest, no getting up in the night and slept until about 6:00. Then I got up, cleaned the kitchen, and got ready for a swim and a run at the WWC. Very light drizzle on the way over, I got there when it opened. I only planned on swimming 1000 yds because of the run following. Here are the splits for the two 500s: 9:31, 9:38. Total elapsed swimming time of 19:09. Kept a pretty decent stroke length throughout, although it started to falter near the end.

Avg pace = 1:55/100 yds (Video, not counting pauses)

Total distance = 1000 yds

Elapsed moving time = 19:09 (Video)

Avg heartrate = 167 bpm (Zepp, nope)

Relative Effort =  54 (nope)

SWOLF =38

Avg stroke rate = 21 bpm

Avg pull distance = 2.28 yds

https://www.strava.com/activities/17151834144

Went to the locker room and put on an overshirt over my tri suit, geared up for a run, and headed out. I started slow, could feel it behind my right knee. But there wasn't any pain, and the feeling lessened as I loosened up. Negative splits, last mile felt pretty good, I could tell I was working though.

Avg pace = 8:17/mi

Total distance = 3.12 mi

Elapsed moving time = 25:52

Avg heartrate = 136 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 14

https://www.strava.com/activities/17151833204

Was hungry after this run, so I had some breakfast cereal and a banana when I got home. Ordered some new bike tires and then went to clean my bike and adjust the rear brakes from rubbing. Had some time to relax before heading over to Tandoori Xpress for lunch with Eric Sweet. Watched some TV after I got home, Ann was at Mah-Jongg. Afternoon and evening were generally uneventful, watched some TV and read a fair amount.

01-22-2026 Swim/Ride

Slept fairly well, although I woke up early, probably some residual effects of minor jet lag (<>). I took my time getting ready for a swim, since I didn't need to get there at 8:00. Made coffee to take with me and packed up my camera and waterproof earbuds, along with a change of clothes. I was able to get  my preferred lane when I got there, there were some raindrops falling on the way over to the WWC; it also sprinkled some while I was swimming. Set everything up and swam 1550 yds (lost track of laps on the second 500) with pauses in between the 500s. Focus was on keeping my stroke length long, and I was largely successful, although I felt like I was slow through the water. Here are the splits for the 3 500s and the last 50, not taking into account the two breaks: 9:32, 9:33, 9:47, 0:59. Total elapsed moving time of 29:51. The first break was longer because I spent time figuring out again how to switch between Bluetooth and internal mode on my earbuds. It requires a double-press of the on/off button.

Avg pace = 1:56/100 yds (Video, not counting pauses)

Total distance = 1550 yds

Elapsed moving time = 29:51 (Video)

Avg heartrate = 169 bpm (Zepp, nope)

Relative Effort =  94 (nope)

SWOLF =38

Avg stroke rate = 21 bpm

Avg pull distance = 2.35 yds

https://www.strava.com/activities/17145820445

After the swim I changed in the locker room and headed over to the HP cafe to meet Gary, John, and Brooke. Got there early and talked to Gary about how things are going. Sue is still recovering from back surgery, better but still in pain. She caught a cold while they were staying down at Mission Beach, also lost her wallet. News from Brooke was kinda depressing, although it seems that James, Kyle, and Rima landed positions. HP is more of a hard-ass company these days, due to budgets and response to the current White House administration. That's sad. Brooke is realistic, plans on looking for another job after Stephen has landed a new position (he's just now starting to look in earnest). I was pretty hungry after I got home, hadn't really eaten anything yet. Had some cereal and then ate a hamburger for an early lunch. Then I got ready to ride over and meet Paula for a bike ride. The weather looked like it was going to hold, so I rode into Escondido the normal way across the freeway and took Centre City Pkwy to 9th Ave, turning left there. Over to Quince St, turning right and riding to Washington Ave, where I took a left, then a right onto Rock Springs Rd. Over to the parking lot by Farmer Boys, where I was supposed to meet Paula. I got there around 12:25, and of course she was late, arriving around 12:40. She had some questions about setting up the new cleats on her shoes to match her new SPD-SL pedals. We didn't get going until close to 1:00. Got onto Mission Ave and headed west, under the freeway and then onto the Inland Rail Trail. This is a nice trail, well maintained but slow to get through all of the intersections. It seemed like we hit every red light. We followed the trail through San Marcos. It's not very scenic. No climbs to speak of, and it was generally downhill all the way to Buena Creek Rd. Some small uphills after that, to Mar Vista Dr, where we got off the trail and headed up a small climb. There was a roundabout at the top, and I went straight through instead of turning right, as I was supposed to. Strava rerouted us in a very inefficient way, Avocado Dr to a left on Hannalei Dr to a right on Woodland Dr, which got us back to Hannalei Dr, where we turned left, then right on Avocado Dr to get back to Mar Vista Dr, taking a right to get back on the original course. A fairly nice descent, but with speed bumps, followed, down to Buena Vista Dr, where we turned right and rode up to Sunset Dr, turning left there. A small descent to Melrose Dr, turning left there, then right shortly after on Cannon Rd and right again on Lake Blvd. We had started a gradual descent, not great bike path quality, when Paula called out, so I stopped to see what she wanted. Turns out she forgot her phone, maybe this was when she first realized it. I decided on the spot to start heading back rather than continue the originally planned route. We retraced our route back to Melrose Dr and started heading back toward Palomar Airport Rd. This road really doesn't have any flat parts, it's either up or down. We followed it all the way to RSF Rd, and rode through that intersection, taking a left on Boulderidge Dr to get back to RSF Rd. There was a pretty good offshore wind going, so I felt like I was flying up the little climbs to Camino del Arroyo Dr. Got there and waited for Paula to catch up, then we rode through the Lake San Marcos neighborhood, one of her favorites. Left on Hermosita Dr, left on San Marino Dr, over the bridge by the lake, left on San Pablo Dr and right to stay on San Pablo Dr, then left on La Noche Dr to get to McMahr Rd, where we turned left to take us to Discovery St. She says it's a shortcut, but I don't believe her. We turned right and took it to Barham Dr, benefiting for the rest of the ride from a tailwind. I rode at her pace, was starting to feel a little tired but not bad. Took Barham Dr back to Mission Rd, had to navigate around a tractor trailer that was blocking an intersection and causing a road closure, but it wasn't a problem for us on bikes. Took Mission Rd back to the parking lot, where Paula used my phone to call Catalin and have him unlock her car. It all went smoothly, nothing was taken out of the car. I didn't stay too long, although she did give me a pair of Head gloves that she says are very effective at keeping hands warm on cold rides. I retraced my route to Quince St and followed it to 13th Ave, using that to get over to Centre City Pkwy. Home the normal way across the freeway from there. Legs held up, but I was tired when I got home, in part because I pushed a little hard on the last little climb.

Avg speed = 15.1 mph. Total mileage = 47.0 mi

Avg power = 124 W. Weighted avg power = 154 W

Total elevation gain = 2440'

Avg heartrate = 121 bpm (Coospo, a little high, surprising)

Relative Effort = 67

Training Load = 183

Intensity = 70%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17144801971

It was cooling down noticeably on the ride home, glad I could roll my sleeves down. Had some time to relax before dinner, I watched a little TV and fell asleep for about 5 minutes, just the right amount of time for a nap. After dinner, I finished the show I started and then had a quiet evening reading.

01-21-2026 Ride

Slept well in my own bed after a long previous travel day. Got up and got ready for a bike ride with John. This time I was intent on not being too late or having to rush. Was overcast and cool but not cold, although I was glad I wore gloves and long sleeves. Headed over the normal way, not scorching the pace in anticipation of a possible long ride on Thursday. Jayden and Vivian came out when I got there, and Jayden flagged us off. We headed back down the hill and then took Sabre Springs Pkwy over to the 56 bike path, including turning on Evening Creek Dr, climbing Sabre Hill Dr and then descending back to Evening Creek Dr to get back to Sabre Springs Pkwy. We stayed on the 56 bike path over to Camino del Sur, turned right there and rode up to Carmel Valley Rd. On that little climb, I wasn't going too fast but still gapped John. I waited for him after the turn and didn't see when he passed me, so I had to hustle for a bit to catch up to him. We rode back to the 56 bike path and headed east. I stayed at his pace on the gradual climb, passed him and slowed down but still got out in front of him. Waited for him to catch up, then I ended up unintentionally gapping him again on the way over to CdS. We turned there and rode down to Park Village Rd, using it to get to Black Mountain Rd. Here I was determined not to get way out in front, so I dialed the pace way back, and we were able to basically stay together. Down the hill on Black Mountain Rd to Mercy Rd, turning there and riding back up to the freeway. Again, this time I sat on his wheel, and we slowly plodded up the steeper part of this climb. We stayed together as it got more gradual on Scripps-Poway Pkwy, taking it to Springbrook Dr. Back to his house the normal way from there, again staying together. John was pretty slow on this ride, not sure if he is generally slowing down or just working to get back into cycling shape.

Avg speed = 15.2 mph. Total mileage = 43.6 mi

Avg power = 133 W. Weighted avg power = 162 W

Total elevation gain = 2650'

Avg heartrate = 116 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 52

Training Load = 180

Intensity = 74%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17130446693

Got home, had time to shower and relax a bit before my volunteer shift. I had bought a new portable backup HDD, and I finished creating another backup of our key data files. Headed to the hospital, had lunch there, then did my shift. Nothing extraordinary. Somebody had died earlier in the day, so one of the rooms was unavailable for about the first half of my shift. I got busy in the middle and stayed that was more or less until the end of the shift. Rode home, had dinner, then watched some TV with Ann. Afterwards, I went through some orientation material for the San Diego Humane Society before scheduling an orientation meeting for this Sunday. Watched a little more TV before heading off to bed to read before going to sleep.

01-20-2026 Entry

Originally planned on going for a run but decided to take the day off instead (<>). Then I showered and shaved before heading to a breakfast place to meet Ben and Abigail. Talked about situation with Mom mostly, some about him and his kids. Was a good, casual conversation, no drama. Drove back to Kathy's house and hung out until it was time to go to the airport. We stopped for sandwiches at Schlotzsky's and then drove to the airport, no problems there or dropping off the rental car. Got to the airport and cruised through security and to the gate. Plane left on time, I was lucky enough to swap a middle seat for an aisle seat closer to the front of the plane. Finished watching Becoming Led Zeppelin, then watched MI-1 again, it was anachronistic, but it helped to pass the time. Plane landed early, but we sat 9n the ground for a while waiting for our gate to clear. Not too long a wait before the SDAP shuttle showed up. We ran into some traffic getting on I-8, then it was fairly smooth sailing all the way home, helped by the HOV lane. I talked to Ross after I got home, nothing major going on, just a general status check. Watched some TV and headed off to bed.

01-19-2026 Run

Got up and my phone said it was below 30 deg. I went out, it was cold but not that cold. Waited until Heather and Laura got up, then we ran a slow-paced (for me) 5k around Heather's neighborhood. I could tell that Laura was running faster, and she ended up setting a PR for 5k, so that was cool.

Avg pace = 10:27/mi

Total distance =3.15 mi

Elapsed moving time = 32:57

Avg heartrate = 116 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 6

https://www.strava.com/activities/17104061819

Ann and Kathy went to Shipley's and Starbucks as we got back, so there were donuts and coffee for breakfast, fairly tasty but never as good as expected. We chatted for a while in the morning, then Laura and Joe headed to the airport to catch their flight back home. The four of us had BBQ for lunch, of course I had the sides. We went to the nearby outlet mall in the afternoon and walked around, didn't buy anything. I had a very short nap after we got back, also did a fair amount of reading. Kathy and Heather made dinner, was decent. We watched a little TV and chatted, then we went to bed.

01-18-2026 Entry

No run on this morning, it was a little cold and my hamstring was tender. I ate some cereal and a banana for breakfast and talked to Ross about the new cable box(es). Chatted with Mom when she got up for a while. Then we packed our stuff and got ready to leave. Mom was really happy for the visit, she held up well throughout, other than the humorous incident about the lighted remote control for the new cable box. We drove to Ben and Melody's house along with Laura and Joe. While there I talked to Melody about how things were going, including the girls, who were on their way back to Ole Miss for the spring term. We went to Piada to have lunch with them, Kathy, Heather, Frank, and Linda. Ann and I sat by Ben and Melody and chatted with them about travels mainly. Then I talked to Frank and Linda about our time in Israel as well as our more general travels. After lunch we headed back to Kathy's, then went to Buc-ee's for Laura's sake. There is a crazy amount of stupid items at this store, I don't know why it is so popular. Later, Ann and I made a store run with Kathy and Heather to get stuff for dinner. Had a little afternoon rest, then watched some football while Kathy and Heather made dinner. We watched more football before heading off to bed.

01-17-2026 Run

Woke up and went for a run on a cool, cloudy morning. I ran a 5k using every road in the sub-division. Steady pace, aware of my right hamstring, which took some time to loosen up.

Avg pace = 8:18/mi

Total distance = 3.32 mi

Elapsed moving time = 27:34

Avg heartrate = 130 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 9

https://www.strava.com/activities/17080917253

Showered and shaved afterwards, and ate some cereal. Laura and Joe showed up around 9:30, and Ann made French toast for breakfast. We chilled around the  lake house until mid-afternoon, then drove to Baytown for a late lunch / early dinner at El Toro, after Mom had a nap. Veggie fajitas were okay, not much vegetarian on the menu. We stopped at the Xfinity store to swap out her cable box. Laura did the driving on this trip, directions were a little crazy.  Got home and spent easily an hour and a half, probably closer to two, replacing outlet strip and text-chatting with Xfinity agents to set up new cable box. Two chats, first was completely fruitless, second was successful. While I was occupied, the others went to the store to get stuff for carrot cake and bake it (Ann). We had had a big lunch, so it was cake for dinner. It took forever for the cake to cool enough to ice it. We ate cake close to 10:00, then Laura and Joe left to go back to the Best Western. Shortly after, we headed to bed after a long day.

01-16-2026 Entry

Cleaning day. First, I got up and got ready to meet Mark, with Ann, for breakfast near Jersey Village at 8:30. Morning traffic heading into downtown was bad but not horrible; it left us a few minutes late meeting Mark. Food was decent, conversation mostly about his family, including some of the ongoing Lancaster saga. He mentioned that he is thinking about tearing the little place in his back yard down and replacing it with a tiny house that either McKenzie or John Jr could live in. A fair amount of the discussion was about McKenzie and her future plans. She still has occasional seizures, which is worrisome for all. I leaned on him to come out for a visit in the spring, maybe he'll actually do it this time. We drove home with no traffic, stopping at Walmart to pick up dinner and cleaning supplies. Then we started cleaning. Ann had the kitchen, I took the bathrooms. Mine were messy but not overly gross. Both involved a bunch of scrubbing. Ann did the sun porch, I mopped the kitchen floor and entry, then dusted the wood floors. After the cleaning, I drove to Home Depot and picked up a new door assembly after removing and inspecting the old one from the hall bathroom. Later, Ann napped and I made dinner, stir fry vegetables that they ate with leftover chicken. Ann finished while I installed the new door assembly. The striker plate was just sufficient for allowing the lock to engage. Dinner was okay. Lots of conversation with Mom and Ross during the day and evening, then to bed (<>). 

01-15-2026 Entry

Travel day. Ann got up at 4:30,and I got up at 4:45. Showered, tidied the kitchen, made coffee and a small breakfast, then left around 5:30. No traffic to speak of on our way to SDAP. We got right on a shuttle and we're at the airport by about 6:15. Fast through security, I think we were at the gate a little after 6:30. My RealID worked just fine. The flight left ahead of schedule. It was a middle seat for me, Ann got to switch to an aisle seat. Mine wasn't horrible. Watched Naked Gun, which was mostly forgettable, Liam Neeson is not naturally funny. I also watched the first part of Becoming Led Zeppelin, which was better. Since we were at the back of the plane, it took a long time to get off. The Sixt rental car experience was very good, I signed up for automatic car pickup as we were heading to the rental car center. We were upgraded to a Mercedes Benz SUV, which took some time to figure out the important controls. Made two stops at Walmart, where we shopped for groceries and picked up the mattress pad we ordered. Arrived at the lake house around 3:30. Mom was very glad to see us, was in good spirits generally and perky. As usual, she did a lot of talking. She eats late, so Ann made chicken and baked potatoes late. Ross showed up, was in good form, we talked among other things about the Fermat's Last Theorem book. Was a generally pleasant evening.

01-14-2026 Ride

Got up kinda early to get ready for a bike ride with John. Was worried it was going to be really cold on the way over, but it turned out to be bearable. Aguamiel Rd and W Bernardo Dr route to RB Rd, then it was the normal way straight there, including the turn onto Alpine Terrace. I forgot a couple of things before starting and was a little late getting underway. I pushed a little bit but not hard. Got there right at 7:30, we weren't there long before Jayden waved us off. Over to Angelique St and up to the top, turning right on Cypress Canyon Rd and taking it down to Blue Canyon Dr. We rode that up to Spring Canyon Rd and turned right for a general downhill run to Scripps Ranch Blvd, where we turned left. Took that up and over to Pomerado Rd, where we turned left and rode up to the top. I kept pace with John for most of it but got out a little ahead near the top. Then we rode down the hill and stayed together on Pomerado Rd all the way to RB Rd, turning right there. Up to Espola Rd and past the high school. John slowed way down, and I stayed with him up and then down to Twin Peaks Rd. We rode over to Community Rd and used it to get over to Poway Rd. Right turn there and back to his house the normal way from there. Had smoothies that he made and took a look at his new back patio, then I headed home a different way, riding down to Sabre Springs Pkwy and staying on it until I got to the time trial route. Followed that all the way home. Steady pace on this ride, rarely pushing hard.

Avg speed = 15.3 mph. Total mileage = 47.3 mi

Avg power = 134 W. Weighted avg power = 160 W

Total elevation gain = 3050'

Avg heartrate = 118 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 57

Training Load = 184

Intensity = 73%

https://www.strava.com/activities/17050142903

I had just a little time to get showered, shaved, and cleaning kitchen before I rode to the hospital for my volunteer shift. It wasn't crazy busy on this day. New nurses there were Chelsea, Kristin and Emma. Armando was another nurse who was there for a while. I talked to a guy in for his wife. He was a former Navy pilot, had flown 150 missions in Vietnam and was interesting to chat with. Rode home after the shift, it was a warm day and a nice ride home. I packed my stuff up for the trip and had an otherwise quiet evening.