Bike Ride - 7 HillZ of Kirkland

Today was the 7 Hills of Kirkland. A slog up (and down) a number of the hills in the area. Most people do it on (very) expensive road bikes, but I decided again - maybe because it is the only bike I've got - to go for the mountain bike route.

It was cold in the morning, just north of 45F, but the forecast was for the sun to peak out in late morning. John, just back from a few days in Chicago, called early to ensure that we were still "on". After some quick snacks at home, I met john down at the start around 8.30AM.
As on all other events like this, the food/snacks are almost better before the race, and no different today. Munched on cookies, bagels, and all other types of bad stuff before taking off.

I had my trusted GPS in my bag and with some other "hardware" I was likely carrying a few pounds extra, on top of the already heavier mountain bike. Well, road bikes are for sissies anyway. Isn't it all about getting a good workout, and the more friction/rolling resistance, the better....?
It was said to be somewhere close to a thousand bikers, and I only saw five or so other "fat tire" riders. Small group of "hard core" bikers. Especially the guy with a soft tail and seated very low. He did OK on the uphills, against all conventional wisdom.

The ride was chilly on one of the first long downhills towards Kenmore, but soon it was actually a really nice day. Met up with wife and Jan at the intermediate "pit" stop, and got another load of unnecessary (but oh so good) food and snacks. The hated Winery Hill was taken in stride this year. No stopping and no jumping off the bike, but a bit disappointed since the bag piper on top of the hill must have had a flat since he was out of commission when we passed.

John (on a VERY nice road bike) was way too nice and waited for me after every serious downhill. We split up at 116th since he had decided to go for the longer loop up in the Eastern hills of Redmond.

Arrived back to Marina Park after a little more than 3 hours and 15 minutes. Think that was better than last year, and it also felt much better overall. Waited at Marina Park about an hour and a half, munching on cookies and coffee, until the others arrived (and managed to get annoyed at the boaters who still run "open pipes", just sitting idling down at the dock, is the off button so hard to find?).

All in all, felt great, with only a small amount of butt "itch" which follows any longer ride, but it faded quickly after a brew and a nice dip in the hot tub.

New Layout + PiZZa Time!

Long overdue, but I have finally picked a new layout for the blog. I hope you like it!

Good little task for a day like this. After having had a very dry and warm streak, we finally got some rain today and significantly colder temperatures. A nice break. It has almost been too warm to be inside in front of the PC.
But, sun and heat is supposed to be back tomorrow! Should be good for the "annual" bike ride, 7 Hills of Kirkland.

And just as this was typed, neighbors called and asked if we wanted to cross the lake the go to Jim&Cynthia's for pizza. Answer was given: "Sure"!

Jim has this great wood fired pizza oven in his backyard, and he manages to crank out the best pizzas in town. Well, let's correct that, the oven is not in his backyard, it is in his neighbors' yard, but they seem to get along just fine despite that little fact. John had prepped the dough and made the first batch of pizzas. Combined with a nice glass of red, a local brew, and a bunch of great friends, is there a better way to end a dreary Sunday afternoon. And despite what these pictures might tell you, it was NOT cold (I was in shorts and flip-flops)!
BTW, photos from a camera phone, quality so-so in these poor light conditions!

HouZe is about to come down...

One of our elderly neighbors, Angie, was sort of forced out of her house last June. She was simply getting too old to care for herself and the house, and was to be better off in a retirement home.

Her house sold quickly (possibly too quickly and at too low of a price) and we've been anticipating the demolition for some time. Well, now it seems like it is getting very close and we are trying to find a good time to bring Angie back here before the house is gone. Should be any day.
In the place of Angie's small shack, built in the 1940ies, will soon tower an other Kirkland "box", this one coming in at some 5,500 sqf. Hopefully the developer is not only going for size but also style. Sort of a tough combination when their only mission these days seem to be maximizing the square footage on any given lot - w/o any consideration to the surroundings (as demonstrated in a new house up the street, totally out of place).

While scuttling around her yard, we managed to dig up some flowers and transplanted them over to our yard. With a little bit of rain (tomorrow?), they should do OK in their new location - given the dogs do not run them over before they are rooted.

Saturday was also spent edging the yard, then weeding, pulling English Ivy (considered a noxious weed in this part of the country), mowing and doing just additional yard cleanup. This time of year, everything is growing so fast so it is sort of fun to see how well stuff likes the area. The bamboo we planted last year looked dismal for the first few months, but now it has really taken off. I've been following the spreading roots. They are called "Rhizome", which sounds more like some newly concocted pharmaceuticals, than some old growing roots. Many are afraid of these "Rhizomes", that they will take over the yard, but we've got a corner where we are just happy if the bamboo thrives. But, in my plight of watching these rhizomes, I sort of missed the fact that some of the stems in the groove have just shot up to heaven. They must have grown well over 7 feet in just the past week. Amazing! Another 7 feet and we'll be very happy.
These bamboo grooves are a perfect hiding place for birds and they are, fully grown, a great screen against prying eyes.
(pictures coming soon)

BritZ in town...

It's now been quite a few years since I've seen Alan, a good friend and colleague from the days in Texas. But today he passed town with his wife Rhonda and their young son, Austen, all on their way to spend a week up in Whistler (a very delayed honeymoon).

It was good to meet up, meet the family (last time you were VERY single) and catch up on general gossip. Settled outside London, where Starbucks is not just an addiction, but also a decease, Alan just had to try out "everything" Starbucks.

I was duly impressed of how you did "drag" Austen around the North American continent this time. Hopefully, he won't be blaming his father for taking him to the U.S. when he really can't remember much from the trip... (it happened to friends of mine who went to Disneyland way too early - and then never had the chance to go back later in life).

I know you finished with a great week in Whistler. Let's make sure we meet next before the Olympics!

Building Permit...

Today was FINALLY the application for a building permit handed in (and paid for) at City Hall.
Well, yes, this might be a year too late, but I think the final design looks great. There are just SOOO many options out there, so it is easy to just think of new stuff that would be "neat" to have, or new ideas based on houses you see out in the neighborhoods.
We are "modifying" our old early 60ies split-level rambler to look something more along a modern craftsman (an oxymoron?). The architect we've worked with has done a great job, albeit it has taken much longer time than anticipated. I guess the fruit of waiting and balancing ideas back and forth paid off though when submitting the package. It was deemed "really nice looking", "clean drawings", and maybe most important of all, it was given the "fast track" process which means that comments from the building department should be forthcoming in about two weeks.
In general, I think the City is pleased to see efforts trying to keep/retain older structures, upgrading them gently, instead of this constant quest to demolish perfectly good houses and then build an oversized house on a lot that was just cut in half.
In my view, there's so much more to quality of life then just the sheer appearance. Having some space/land around you, while still living in the city is as they say "priceless".

Never let your guard down...

...not even after a long walk in the park.

Phoebe took a long walk around the UoW campus today. After having studied the boats (and asking dad why THE boat is not out yet), taking a dip in Lake Washington, followed by some squirrel chasing, there was still time for some "look-out-and-guard" activity.