in a relationship

One of the results of my transition to a vegan diet is I've been visiting several websites looking for tips and recipes to make it easier and more enjoyable, and sustainable. I read The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone, and subscribed to her site, The Kind Life. Sometimes she's a little out there, but she has a lot of good ideas, links, and encouragement for all kinds of vegans. And when there's something new on her site subscribers get this personal, automated kind of announcement. I felt kind of weird the first time I got an e-mail from her. __________________________________________________________________________ Hi Jeff,

This yum-looking recipe for homemade granola from one of our Kind Lifers looks delicious!

Vegan Breakfast Recipe: Peanut Butter Granola This looks like a delicious recipe...

Love,

Alicia  ___________________________________________________________________________ I'm glad that she feels so comfortable with me. But being in a relationship with Alicia means that, from time-to-time, she will point out something else you can do to be kinder to animals and the planet. She tells me how I can improve myself.  God, Alicia, I already have a wife!

cycle tour daily schedule

ennui gone wild

I wrote a post a couple years ago called ennui about the weariness from a long, cold winter, and the subsequent lack of riding it had caused. Looking back recently I noticed that it had been written on the second of March. This year, a month and a half later than I complained about that winter, my ennui is evolving into something worse.

I have been out for a handful of rides this spring. We've been teased with a nice day here and there in between snow storms, thunderstorms, howling wind and bitter cold. But I'm getting sick of it.The 10 day forecast calls for more rain, wind, and cold temperatures. Maybe warm enough to sneak in a short ride here or there, but by this time I think I should be able to expect the occasional 75 degree day with a light breeze that is conducive to a 50 mile+ wander through the countryside. Is that too much to ask?!?!

Good things come to those who wait? Alright then, we should be in for a treat.

the body is a temple

cool stuff

When I'm riding a week-long bike tour I use several sizes of Ziploc bags. The extra-large ones are great for organizing what you're going to wear each day, keeping everything dry come any eventuality. Smaller ones can keep things from leaking, and keep things dry while you're on the bike, like my camera and some cash. But I admit, I kind of feel like a hobo when we're at our overnight spot, head to a restaurant or store, and I pull out a plastic bag to pay. Now, there's something better.

Last August in Telluride, I was having breakfast with a few other guys, and when we pulled out our money I joked about my fancy wallet. Tom showed me his JerseyBin and I made a mental note to check them out when I got home. I ordered a couple of their several different sizes. One is big enough to hold my camera, the other my phone and some cash. They use a kind of zip lock design, but they're much more durable and seal better. And they fit great in a jersey pocket on the bike, pants pocket off the bike.

Then I saw something on the web that I had to try. It's called a butterfly wallet, and it's an ultralight, ultra-skinny wallet. It can hold up to 6 cards and a few bills, and it weighs less than a quarter. It comes in several colors. I ordered what they said was their most popular, black. It's a great size and I think it will be great for biking. I'm not sure if it will keep cash dry on a long, sweaty ride, but even if I have to throw it in my JerseyBin on the bike, it will be great for when I'm off the bike.

Can you tell I'm longing for summer? Happy Easter!