A last batch of gingerbread for the year

Seattle, Washington

As the clock ticked down toward the end of the year,  there was just time for one last batch of gingerbread. 2023, here we come!

Christmas and finally safe to ride again

Seattle, Washington

After a WEEK off my bike due to snow and dangerous icy conditions, I finally got back on today for a Christmas ride. Only 20 miles but I was so grateful to be riding again!

More "books on bikes":

• "Still Life" by Sarah Winman: this is a marvelous read/listen

20.8 miles

Greek Bread baking frenzy

Seattle, Washington

Yes, it's that time of the year again--when I find sesame seeds all over the house for about two weeks. That is, it's Greek Bread time! I made four batches, we ate a lot of it, and I gave out a bunch of loaves to the neighbors. The family tradition of baking Greek (Easter) Bread for Christmas continues! (But minus the red egg...)

Winter riding!

Seattle, Washington

After nearly four weeks off my bike, I finally got in a longer ride today. Happily, I only had to dodge a few raindrops, and though it was cold, it was NOT freezing. it's good to be slowly getting back into my routines, and I'm listening to a fascinating book about tuberculosis--

More "books on bikes":

• "Phantom Plague: How Tuberculosis Shaped History" by Vidya Krishnan

19.2 miles

Astrid: really great television

Seattle, Washington

I just finished watching "Astrid" on PBS. I must say it was really EXCELLENT television--mostly not too gory--and incredibly well done. Here's one review: Astrid Nielsen works in the library of the judicial police. She has Asperger's syndrome. With an incredible memory she excels at analyzing files of ongoing investigations. The district commander decides to use it to the fullest, entrusting her with very complex investigations which have remained unsolved to date. From Walter Presents, in French with English subtitles.

Watch it!

K-movies!

Seattle, Washington

Just returned from three weeks in Asia which included two long-haul flights on Korean Air. Among the many things I enjoy about flying Korean Air is the selection of Korean movies on their entertainment system. I managed to watch four of them on this trip, and all were good. Listed below in order of preference (top to bottom):

1. In Our Prime (2022): about a North Korean mathematician who defects to South Korea and the school where he works as a security guard
2. Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013): a funny/sad prison drama about the wrongful imprisonment of a man with intellectual disabilities
3. Anchor (2022): thriller about a news anchor with a troubled childhood
4. Broker (2022): a sweet/sad comedy about two ill-fated "baby brokers" and the mother of baby they're trying to sell

See 'em all! But especially the first two--

Running out of time

Jeju City, South Korea

On my way home now via Jeju City and Seoul and running out of time to try new things. Pictured here is one of them: squid ink bread with sweet cream. No choice but to come back again to Korea soon! It's been a great week on Jeju--

Seeing what you understand -- and understanding what you see

Seogwipo, Jeju Island, South Korea

Spent my last day on Jeju exploring "Old" Seogwipo with my friend. One of the places she took me to was the Lee Jung-Seob Art Gallery. Although there is not much of his actual work on display at the gallery, it was really interesting to learn about his life and work. And to get to know his style. It was only later that day that I realized that re-creations of his work are all over Seogwipo. It's just that until I visited the gallery, I had no idea what I was looking at. Like so many things in life...

And not until I got home and unpacked the erasers I'd bought at the gallery did I finally recognize what the image on the erasers...

(See the same shape in the mural above?)

Brisk and beautiful

Seogwipo, Jeju Island, South Korea

Started out our morning walk down in the port of Seogwipo--which included a walk across this award-winning bridge. Alas, the walking path around the small island at the end of the walking bridge was closed for repairs. However, we DID get to see some of Jeju's famous women divers heading into the sea.

The weather was gorgeous, but cold. Getting into the water looked icy!

PS: That's Mount Halla in the background--

The Jeju "olle"

Seogwipo, Jeju Island, South Korea

Besides generally enjoying the scenery, food and weather of Jeju, walking the olle (or walking paths) has been a major highlight of being here. Most of Jeju's 20+ olle run along the island's coastline, and all have wonderful scenery. You can read more about the olle here. And the series of passport stamps (housed in these "horse-like" contraptions) one can acquire along the way, appealed to the dormant collector in me. It's a wonderful way to see the island--and meet folks, too!

"Books au pied":

• "The Island of Sea Women" by Lisa See (a perfect read while on Jeju!)
• "Bangkok Wakes to Rain" by Pitchaya Sudbanthad

Starbucks: "Jeju only"!

Seogwipo, Jeju Island, South Korea

The first irony is that the only reason I went to Starbucks was to find some black tea. After combing several food stores, I had been unable to find ANY black tea. Sure enough, Starbucks had a box of lovely (albeit overpriced) black tea for sale. Phew.

But then I noticed the pastries. Most of us can agree that Starbucks' pastries in the States taste like cardboard. But here was a totally new line up: Jeju Peanut Roll, Peanut Mugwort Rice Cake Scone, Jeju Cactus Chocolate Cake, Mugwort & Red Bean Cream Cake--and more! And each pastry had a small sign indicating that these are available on "Jeju Only."

I can report that the Peanut Mugwort Rice Cake Scone was so tasty that I went back two days later and ordered it again.

Jeju Starbucks' pastries: definitely worth a try!

Hiking Jeju's Mt. Halla

Hallasan, Jeju Island, South Korea

As we set out on the 8.8 km hike up Mt. Halla, I was pretty sure we wouldn't make it to the top. The illustrated maps of the trail, however, seemed to make it more doable. So, up and up and up we went. All the way to the very top,with lots of fantastic views along the way. 

And then came the REALLY tough part: coming down again. Oh, my knees! I am super glad we did this wonderful walk/hike, but I could barely walk for the next 4 days...

Graceland Khao Lak Beach Resort

Khao Lak, Thailand

After two days in the jungle, we decided to go a bit upscale (with a steep discount from Agoda) and try the Graceland Khao Lak Beach Resort. Not usually our cup of tea but we enjoyed the beach, the crazy fun pool, and the over-the-top breakfast buffet. And the comfortable room from which to observe the on-and-off monsoon rains. We'll be back.

Back to Art's Riverview Lodge

On the edge of Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

This was our third trip to Art's Riverview lodge, though this time we only spent two nights. Food was great, the room a bit rough, but generally good to be back again. Went on a great tour of the park that Art's arranged in conjunction with other nearby lodgings.

Return to Chumphon Cabana

View from the restaurant

Saphli, Thailand

It took us five years, but we are back at last at our favorite place in Thailand: Chumphon Cabana! The cabanas are still wonderful, as are the views, the beach, the food--and the staff (!) even as nature continues to reclaim the back portion of the property.

So wonderful to be back! 

Green Papaya Salad: my dream food

Maybe it's not true and you CAN go home again...

Joyously, around the Lake!

Seattle, Washington

The smoke finally gone and a break after our first of rain in months--and around Lake Washington I went. Stopped for a coffee at my favorite coffee place in Kirkland and then charged up Juanita Hill. Decent fall riding weather at last!

More "books on bikes":

• "The Return of Faraz Ali" by Aamina Ahmad (this promises to be very good)
• The Holiday Swap" by Maggie Knox (fun but very "lite")
• "Nomad Century" by Gaia Vince 

50.2 miles

More "books on bikes"

Seattle, Washington

Okay, I have lost track of all my rides lately, but I am determined NOT to lose track of all the great books I've been listening to. I just started two new ones: one "heavy" (Nomad Century) and one "lite" (Holiday Swap), but it's too soon to tell if either of them will be good. But this one was a fun (and, in some ways, thoughtful) one:

• "Love Marriage" by Monica Ali (she also wrote "Brick Lane")

"Properties of Thirst" double header

Seattle, Washington

Rode the big north loop (Sammamish River Trail) two times this weekend--once clockwise and once counter-clockwise. The riding was lovely but the book I am soon going to finish ("Properties of Thirst") was the main event. It made the miles FLY by. It is an astoundingly beautiful book. Read it!

More "books on bikes":

• "Properties of Thirst" by Marianne Wiggins: a spectacular read/listen

41.4 miles X 2

Fall riding

Seattle, Washington

Went out for a relatively short ride this morning--but, oh, the glory of fall riding! Still warm but not so hot and the promise of coolness to come. And it even RAINED yesterday!

More "books on bikes":

• "The Archer" by Shruti Swamy--wonderfully read!

20.1 miles

GHS centennial!

Seattle, Washington

Today was the long delayed 100th anniversary party for Garfield High School. I didn't stay for too long, but it was really wonderful to wander around the school grounds and see GENERATIONS of GHS grads catching up with one another. I was class of '84, taught there in the 90s, and have a child there now. I am lucky (and proud!) to part of Garfield's long and complicated history--

Peak blackberry!

Seattle, Washington

Back in Seattle and in the week I've been gone, the blackberries ripened. Wow--they are everywhere and absolutely perfect!

Frog crossing on the Cross Kirkland Corridor

Kirkland, Washington

Did the northern loop this afternoon and included the Cross Kirkland Corridor. New discovery! An absolutely wonderful sculpture called "Frog X-ing." Very fun!

More "books on bikes":

• "Avenue of Mysteries" by John Irving

39 miles

RAW Day 5: Chewelah Loop

Chewelah, Washington

Day 5 dawned cooler than anytime this week, and there was even some lovely cloud cover until about 9:00 am. Bliss! We rode north and northwest over a big, ol' hill and down along Lake Roosevelt (pictured) where we lunched in style on the beach. A bit heavy on the 55MPH roads but lovely, lovely countryside!

More "books on bikes":

• "The Revenge of Geography" by Robert Kaplan

59.5 miles

RAW Day 4: Back to Chewelah

Chewelah, Washington

And today it was time to ride BACK to Chewelah, albeit by a different route than Sunday. Weather a bit cooler and some really lovely riding--but the biggest section of elevation gain (see area of detail) was REALLY tough!

77.3 miles

RAW Day 1: Chewelah to Cheney

Hope over reality...

Cheney, Washington

Day 1 was a long, hot slog but there were some beautiful bits to be sure. When we arrived in Cheney after 83+ HOT miles, I was all done in. (It was 102 degrees when I finally rolled into Hagelin Park in Cheney.) But I was pretty darn pleased with myself as well.

More "books on bikes":

• "The Candy House" by Jennifer Egan

83.9 miles

Getting ready for RAW 2022!

Seattle, WA

Bags are almost packed, and the bike is in the car. Took a 25 mile ride this morning so I could bear to sit in the car for the next 5+ hours. I am off to Cheney, WA, and Cascade Bicycle Club's RAW 2022! Very exciting!

More "books on bikes":

• "Four Seasons in Rome" by Anthony Doerr

Summer riding!

Seattle, Washington

Lovely, long ride today. And finished up a good book, too: Peach Blossom Spring. And not too hot, either!

More "books on bikes":

• "Peach Blossom Spring" by Melissa Fu
• "Did Ye Hear Mammy Died?" by Seamus O'Reilly
• "The Mother Tongue" by Bill Bryson (interesting but dated)

55.7 miles

Echo Valley Ride

Lake Chelan, Washington

I didn't make it all the way to the ski resort, but I climbed a lot of elevation. A perfect day for a ride along both sides of the lake! And time for exploration in town, too!

More "books on bikes":

• "Manhattan Beach" by Jennifer Egan
• "This Time Tomorrow" by Emma Straub

21 miles

Quilt Camp 2022

Lake Chelan, Washington

Our quilt group has returned once again to the stunning shores of Lake Chelan for Quilt Camp. Lots of time for walking, biking and visiting--and sewing, too! What a wonderful gift to be able to return year after year...Thank you, B & L!

Mother's Day ride

Seattle, Washington

What this mother wanted for Mother's Day was a bike ride. And I got one along the lovely Sammamish River Trail. And the weather was good, too!

Started another good book on tape: "Last Call at the Hotel Imperial" by Deborah Cohen.

More "books on bikes":

• "Last Call at the Hotel Imperial" by Deborah Cohen (off to a good start!)
• "Ancestor Trouble" by Maud Newton (meh)
• "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" by Jules Verne
• "Hail Mary Project" by Andy Weir (but not technically "on bike")

41.3 miles

Bunny cake (again)

Seattle, Washington

AT LAST, I have finally re-created the bunny cake that my grandmother used to make for Easter when we were kids. True, I have made this cake before but THIS time I finally got ahold of some coconut for the "fur," and now my mission is complete. Until next year, of course!

Spring break!

Seattle, Washington

Took the day off today to ride and ride. Weather was everything: hail, sun, wind, rain and even snow! Had a perfectly divine ride around Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish. Yes, a reprise from my ride in early
February...

More "books on bikes":

• "Cloud Cuckoo Land" by Anthony Doerr (so far: WOW!!)
• "Notes from a Dead House" by Fyodor Dostoevsky

65.1 miles

Spring riding!

Seattle, Washington

Spring riding is here at last--unpredictable weather, of course, is part of the deal. But flowers and occasional spring breezes...yippee! And all the way around Lake Washington--and a coffee at my favorite place in Kirkland...

More "books on bikes":

• L.A. Theatre Works: "Paradise" (excellent!)

50.7 miles

Saturday ride

Seattle, Washington

Had another lovely Saturday ride. Spring is coming!

More "books on bikes":

• "Those who Leave and Those who Stay" by Elena Ferrante
• "The Story of the Lost Child" by Elena Ferrante

43.1 miles

Biking bliss

Seattle, Washington

I've only ever done this ride once before, but it was such a lovely day for it. Lake Washington AND Lake Sammamish CCW. Still enjoying my "books on tape"-- at least on the sections of trail quiet enough to hear!

More "books on bikes":

• "My Brilliant Friend" by Elena Ferrante
• "The Story of a New Name" by Elena Ferrante

65.1 miles

I get the news I need on the weather report

Seattle, Washington

Finally, a day of blissfully dry weather. With even a bit of sunshine! Bliss. Even time for a lovely latte at the Kirkland Cafe Ladro...The only thing missing was a new audio book, but I have my eye on something by Elena Ferrante. I guess it's finally time to read one of her books!

40.1 miles

Fog, I can handle

Seattle, Washington

It was another pretty rough week for riding but the dense fog this morning was no reason to stay home. Great ride around the southern end of Lake Washington.

More "books on bikes":

• "While Justice Sleeps" by Stacey Abrams
• "Last Night in Twisted River" (wow!) by John Irving

27.6 miles