Today was kinda of fun and productive at the same time. I got up pretty early (for a Sun.) and decided to finally go for a ride 'round these parts. I don't have a good sense of the area or even a decent bike map. Working off the very basic LA County Bicycle Map, I decided to head over to the Rose Bowl. From there I thought I might do some hill climbing and circle back around coming down in G'dale.
As it happens, I got to the Rose Bowl in about 15 minutes, and the place was already hopping for a huge swap meet. Toyed with the idea of skipping the rest of the ride and going into the swap meet, but I couldn't reach Better Half on the cell, so I decided to just carry on. Maybe next month.
I circled the Rose Bowl once. Lots of walkers/joggers out using the route around the bowl. I mean, really a lot. Then, instead of following my original plan of hill climbing, I decided to head back down towards Pasadena and go through South Pasadena to get back to ER. This is where having a totally inadequate map became a prob. I got thoroughly lost and even ended up riding in circles at one point. But, it was still enjoyable, as I always like exploring new areas. There are some really interesting looking areas along the arroyo seco. Very rustic, yet obviously pricey housing (a la Rolling Hills behind the gates). Came across some stables, too.
For the record, here's what the route looked like in the end.
Eventually ended up having to go all the way back to the Rose Bowl to retrace my way back home. I'm definitely gonna have to get better maps. Back in ER, I stopped into the local hardware store. We've been trying to get some sort of clothesline going. Last week I checked in Home Depot (they only had one option; an umbrella style one that you need to dig a hole in the ground for and then cement it in to stabilize it) and Target (I picked up there utterly useless drying rack). To their credit, the local shop had some five different models (including several of the umbrella type and the portable drying rack type). I ended up getting a retractable one with a 40' line that I intend to attach to a concrete wall in the back and the other end to our lemon tree. Also picked up a lawn mower (human powered) and an ironing board, I was wearing my bike helmet and the guy at the register looks at me and says, "Um, do you have a car?" Nope, but I've got a pretty big bike, so it shouldn't be a prob. Strapped all the stuff down and hauled it away while the guy looked on incredulous an impressed.
I also stopped in at the local Italian bakery and deli. Sweet little place. Bought a pounds worth of assorted biscotti and other Italian pastries. Went down real well with my latte I made when I got home. I think I can get used to that place.
Rest of the day was spent mowing the lawn, trying unsuccessfully to attach the clothesline (I need special screws for concrete, it turns out, and the second local hardware store I went to closed right when I got there), and otherwise dealing with laundry and other house stuff. Nothing exciting, but I just liked being able to get stuff done and get out of the house. Yesterday I was cooped up inside the house all day, it really bugged me.
Last night, however, was nice. Our neighbors across the street invited us to a outdoor screening of Bolt. They invited friends of their six-year old and their parents. It was very cute. The kids got all cuddly under blankets and after the movie we made smores. Also met some other parents, including a guy who lives right around the corner and has three girls, so it was nice for us.
This followed Friday night's Reading Night at the school, which was a big hit. i showed up late b/c of work, but there were several tents set up on the grounds outside the school and there were adults in each one reading to the kids. Excellent turnout. Much better than we would have seen at LO's old school, and a great first PTA activity to kick-off the year.
Speaking of reading, LO has got the Harry Potter bug bad. She started the fourth book on Friday. I read her the first six pages or so before I fell asleep. She spent the rest of the weekend reading. She's now around page 180! I'll never catch up.
Work has been crazy. Nuff said. i should be prepping for tomorrow's class, but I just can't get myself motivated. Think I'll just do it in the morning. I get to work around 7 am and class isn't until 10, so that should be plenty of time.
