Monday, December 24, 2018

A Quiet Time Around Here

It hasn't actually required a lot of effort....I seem to naturally trend that way if given the chance without outside forces of which there have been few the last number of days.  Family time, helping and assisting with said family projects, schedules and family planning (not THAT kind of family planning) so that to the best of our ability we have enough valued time together during the holidays.

Lucky this year, almost everyone will be able to gather here in rural Minnesota though not always at the same time....we do take what we can get.  Ben drove home for Christmas....


Lauren's around in here's and there's, working in family time with her busy church concerts in Minneapolis.  Katlyn and James will be here later today and Hanna's driving in from Cleveland late tomorrow.  Like I said, we'll all be here though not like it once was when our 4 offspring were sleepily gathering around the tree Christmas morning at 5AM waiting for "Santa" to awake after late hours finishing up the wrapping.  We wouldn't have it any other way.

Saturday Ben accompanied me to our coffee gathering at Diamond's; turnout good and even festive.  The lights blink...randomly.  I know because I sat directly across from them.


After coffee, Ben and I stopped at GoMoto to wish Marty and Lissa a Merry Christmas, a quick stop at Harbor Freight (big Two Day SALE!!) and then hustled down to a southern suburb to meet Peg and Lauren for all we could eat sushi.

Sunday afternoon Ben and I brought some Christmas cheer to mom and her sister; a very nice time was had by all.

Over the last few weeks, Eric and I have been advising, critiquing and learning about changes to our machines during this season.  Common throughout the year I suppose but in these days of less daylight, our activity intensifies.  Eric knows I've been making some changes to the Himalayan specifically and has been after me for an updated photo but garage time, finding that quality garage time, has been at a premium and as such, work out there has slowed.  Updates of the full makeover will follow soon.  Another big change, unknown to everyone (everyone!) will be made public once riding season 2019 begins.

Inside where it's warm and dry, reading, online learning/listening and 'Tube watching has been happening.  I've stumbled on some really fun ones and won't link or I guess even mention them...except for one and I was made aware of that one while the moon was still out early this AM, coffee in hand.

Hopefully at least a few of you old timers will be familiar with the name Greg Lake.  I was a huge fan of ELP and one of theirs that sticks with me still is "I Believe In Father Christmas".  There was more than a few listenings this morning of Mr. Lake, Mr. Ian Anderson, the choir and some help playing this tune in St. Bride's on Fleet Street in London during an obvious Christmas service.  I'd encourage you to look this one up if it tweaks your interest.  It will be worth your time.

I'm now off to cut up and marinate our Polynesian Wings for this evening, something we'll all be ready for after this morning's hearty Avocado Toast that Peg enjoys making.  Ben and I certainly enjoyed the eating detail of the project.


The dismal state of snow for our White Christmas.....


Merry Christmas to all!!

16 comments:

  1. I always enjoy your blogs. Great to hear about your travels on your bikes & the history you share from your stops...keep the blogs coming. Here is wishing you & your family a blessed Christmas and happy times together!
    Colleen aka Speedy

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    1. Thanks much for the kind words Colleen. Merry Christmas to you and the Mike guy!

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  2. Nutn zez chick magnet like a Nutcracker :)

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  3. Merry Christmas!

    Your light snow suggests more riding...

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    1. Richard, I picked up a bag of official studs on Saturday...and now I don't even need them!! 10 days out, no snow predicted but that will change. Hopefully before April!

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  4. Keep us in the loop regarding your updates. It will be a long winter here in Wisconsin. Your projects inspire me!

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    1. Will do Eric. Now lets get our trips scheduled..and planned!

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  5. It's good to hear that your family will make it home for the holiday, Merry Christmas

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    1. Thank you! We're lucky this year, know it and aren't taking it for granted. Merry Christmas to you and family!!

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  6. Merry Christmas Doug. Good to see the Hack increase its
    pie share nudging out the crusier. Speaking of pie, looking forward to coming back n riding with you guys in 2019!

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    1. Hey Paul, we'll be ready for you to come up. I'm working on the schedule; some things that were up in the air are getting settled. Our time at Road America has shifted, otherwise I'm expecting dates and weekends close to what we've done in the past. See you in Soldier's Grove if not before.

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  7. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I'm anxious for the upcoming riding season and for the great reveal of the makeover.
    BTW, you might not want to mention Harbor Freight sales on your blog as I squirreled and nearly forgot to come back to finish reading your post. I now have several tabs open searching for holiday sales.
    Here's to 2019 and more riding!

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    1. Brad, great to hear from you and Merry Christmas to you both! I'll be blogging more soon about Himalayan changes.

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  8. Merry Christmas Doug, to you and yours!

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