Getting acquainted with the progressive lenses but small fonts are still a struggle. The magnification isn’t the same as the readers but now I can wear them all the time. Still not satisfied with the contact lens solution to reduce the eye irritation. It works but it’s a substitution for a different kind of bother. Not the end-state desired but trying to maintain a positive perspective – I do have vision in both eyes. Will say it dampens the enjoyment of cycling (along with vehicular trepidation). Vision isn’t as crisp in the left eye, often a watery sensation, and distorts the visual field. Temporarily closing the left eye improves the view but creates other deficiencies (e.g., depth perception, peripheral vision, and loss of visual field). A struggle to adapt to the new normal of eye issues for all waking hours.
Cycling strength and endurance are gradually returning. Most rides were outdoors but a few Zwift days due to rain or schedule constraints. Actually exceeded 1230 miles in Oct with a few metric century (Culpeper and Great Pumpkin Ride) distances (JD’s Tour de Loudoun), a big Skyline climbing day to Pinnacles (73 miles and 7300’ of elevation), and some tempo and threshold interval sessions. Returned to OH for four days of cold riding (temps in the 30s for every start). Reinforced the decision to abort outdoor rides when temps are below 40º except for pre-registered, organized events. Haven’t managed a full century which by default rules out any typical randonneuring distance (200K – 400K). RUSA released the 2024 ride calendar so starting to review and pencil in events and southern training camp windows leading up to the Classic Climbs of the Tour with Trek Travel in June. Thoughts, images, concerns, etc. of negative vehicle encounters permeate every ride. Much more nervous approaching intersections with vehicles present and often still cringe when being overtaken. Somewhat of a fun-sucker but have managed to greatly reduce the degree of physical drifting or swerving in response to “too close for comfort” drive-by.
A good mix of reruns and new baking/cooking items from the kitchen. Made gluten-free chocolate with chocolate chunks and chocolate and peanut butter chips muffins for a dear friend who lost her father after a lengthy illness. Made regular versions of the same along with pumpkin with cream cheese and pecan streusel. Had an Octoberfest meal with our daughter and son-in-law that included roasted half chicken, German potato dumplings, sauerkraut and brats, pretzel, and apple strudel (from scratch and phyllo dough). The chicken and pretzel were awesome. Wouldn’t make any changes to the former; only more dough and water with the latter. Recipe left the dough too dry to roll properly and then not enough to roll the dough to a long enough ‘noodle’ to create a properly sized pretzel. The sauerkraut was rather bland but added a variety of spices (ginger, dill, lemon peel, caraway seed, celery seed, fennel, and garlic) and other ingredients (carrots, onions, and apple) in a reprisal with the parentals that had an excellent flavor. The brats should’ve been grilled and the dumplings were meh. They never really firmed up. Maybe put them in an air fryer – defeats intent of a dumpling but they need something. Both strudels were good – the filling needed more brown sugar. All in all – a successful new, special dinner! Other meals included tuna and noodle casserole (no cream of mushroom soup) and pizza night. Fresh made pizza dough and ingredients are always better than store bough pizza. Primary disadvantage is lack of convenience. Even incorporated cheese sticks for the crust and breadsticks! Concluded the baking with a batch of biscuits for the wife while I returned to the parentals abode for a quick trip. Used the wrong recipe and the biscuits were too wet and didn’t rise or brown properly. Definitely owe the Missus a biscuit do-over.
Cycling and Culinary Flavors 