Assorted riding.

I got the giant horse!

His name is Hoju!

I’ve also started riding again.

On the road bike, too. I considered getting road tires for the gravel bike. Another option was paying normal people price for a new shifter. I sent a distress signal as far out as London, UK, to anyone I knew associated with the bike industry. The most the UK chapter could do for me was share some 650b road tire recommendations. The person who came through with a new shifter was also the most convenient: a co-worker.

This co-worker had another surprise: “I have a good Laura impression when you’re here.”

My response to that was the grimacing face emoji. Was I about to discover a new insecurity?

I came in to work on Friday. Immediately upon my arrival, the Laura impersonator turned on the fan and ran away, flailing his arms.

I was impressed. Harsh, but fair. My bike made a full recovery that day.

I moved up one tier with an Ultegra shifter. Not new, but improved!

My right knee is green, and my right shoulder is blue—but my shoulder is always blue. I put my mobility to the test this morning with an hour-long road ride. I have bombproof kneecaps! I felt good on my bike.

The garden is underway. Here’s the Before photo:

There are green snap peas in the back, nine kale starters in the middle (we like kale), and alternating rows of radish and spinach seeds in the front. We’ve thrown a bunch of russet potatoes in a paper bag under the sink, but that’s as far as we’ve planned: there’s no room in the garden to plant the potatoes once they’ve sprouted eyes. We’re hopeful, though.