Work sucks, been riding when I can in the mornings on my bike with Vikash. Been watercolor painting when time permits. No martial arts, no lifting, no life drawing – here in the desert. My only real entertainment is the birds and learning Dutch.
I have 2 bikes, a hybrid which is a cross between a gravel bike and a mountain bike. Basic front, lockable suspension, thin-ish knobby tires with a road stripe, and disk breaks. It can be taken off road, rode on gravel or street. Its a workout on the trail around my house. I’ve rode it on the “Bike the Drive” ride and it have me awful chaffing. It wasn’t made for a 30 mile ride. I learned the hard way. I also have a road bike with 700×25 tires which I purchased used in March this year. It was made to roll. Carbon frame, awesome gearing, skinny tires. While I haven’t ridden it 30 miles yet, I’m sure it would handle it with aplomb. I’ve ridden it for over 500 miles this year so far. Only 2 flats. I decided I’m getting some gator skin tires. They should be delivered tomorrow. I will have them on for a 30 mile ride on Saturday.
So, I have been taking a watercolor class with John Howard. He’s an AA Art Grad and all around good guy who teaches watercolor and drawing at McCord. He’s got some mad watercolor skills. Pretty funny, a guy I went to school with from AA back in the day, had a art show at McCord – Dale Popovich. He was a hell raiser when we were in school, or that is what I remember :). Anyway, my watercolor skills have a ways to go. I’m better than most, but I know what I’m capable of and what I think I can aspire to.
Lee’s has been out of the question with COVID and stuff, same with the gym – off limits. Cant wait until there is a vaccine. No life drawing here in the South Side Desert. I’d have to go to Elmhurst but with working from home so much, ill wait until the winter time if we get a vaccine. We bought a recumbent elliptical machine for the house so we can exercise when the weather gets shitty.
I’m an avid bird watcher. I try and make sure their feeders are stocked and the birdbaths are filled. I have 5 feeders. A hummingbird feeder, a thistle feeder, a cylindrical songbird feeder, a suet feeder, and a black oil sunflower feeder. They (sparrows, finches, cardinals, doves, chickadees) are like a bunch of toddlers, its fun to watch them. I can be entertained for hours. Then there is the occasional hawk, which is always interesting. I just wish he’d get a chipmunk or 2.
I’m learning Dutch via Duo Lingo. Which albeit is fun, is really a labor of love and is a bit of a grind. I am following a few people who I would like to think I know! Hope springs eternal. I am truly an optimist.
-Rat
