Kicking Back on the Weekend

Ah, nothing like a little relaxation on the weekend. There's an entire spectrum of activities through which to pursue the art of relaxation, from sitting down with the paper...

... to painting...
...to enjoying nature...

... to getting outside for a nice spin and some fresh air.

Passing the Torch

It is starting to look like Spring in the Wasatch Front, and this was the first week I was able to do some mountain biking. Having built up my single speed in January, and suffering from self-doubt for a couple months (i.e. will I have the fitness to be able to ride it), I was finally unleashed last Saturday, and had a great ride. I passed more folks on the climb up dry creek than any time I've ever ridden, and cleaned every obstacle, no doubt due to having to pedal harder than is my wont.

The following Sunday was Conor's first mountain bike ride. He is at the point where he is steady enough on his bike to start on trails, which with their bumpy terrain, variable traction, and ups and downs, are quite challenging, especially for kids on bikes the weigh nearly as much as they do, with only a coaster brake to stop with.

Here he is, prior to embarking on the ride:

Here's a nice shot of the Bonneville Shoreline trail, which is my route to work on those days where schedule and legs permit, and which might be the world's finest commute:

Finally, an action shot:

Cat Holder

Do you have a cat? Then you owe it to your cat to provide it the finest cat holder possible. The ACME cat holder is constructed of sturdy cardboard, and will hold up to 1 cat. Order today, supplies are limited. Available in blue. Cat not included.

Moral Compass

Sometime the moral compass can hold you back...

18

Back at it (and commutes #19 - #42)

It's been about six weeks since my last post. It's not that there's been nothing worth noting (although a blog ostensibly about bike commuting in Salt Lake sets the bar pretty low), but more due to the fact of my computer located in my son's room, and the only time available for blogging being after lights out. Now that I've moved my computer to another part of the house, I'll be able to blog more, or at least fritter away more time on the internet. Anyway, here are the things that stand out in my mind since my last post (BTW the commutes have been pretty mellow... steady at 4 a week).

First, Flogging Molly released their new album Float. I've enjoyed the album -- I think the songs on their previous effort Within a Mile of Home are stronger, but I think they are getting a handle on their sound. There's always a lot going on sonically on their albums, and trying to pack that in to what can be recorded and still sound decent has to be real challenge I am sure.

Next up of note was Easter, which occurred on a day giving us a rare glimpse of Spring in the Wasatch. We have a traditional egg hunt in the back yard.

Reyna found a nice blue egg.

Conor and Reyna compare finds.

I even discovered something in the garage I had forgotten about.

Later, it was time for an attempt to get a portrait in the nice clothes.

With that done, it was time to get the bikes out... and a board and brick to ride over.

A few weeks later, it was time for the annual school earth day celebration. Conor had his first speaking part, sporting a jelly fish costume he and his mom collaborated on (i.e., son produces notion of being a jelly fish in the play, mom makes it happen).

Here's some video of both the kids in the production, starting with Reyna's entrance.

One of Conor's speaking parts.

Finally, Reyna celebrated her 5th birthday recently.