Category: Slice of Life

Switching up the Handlebars

, , , , , Cycling, Slice of LifeLeave a Comment on Switching up the Handlebars
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/2, 1/105 sec, ISO1600
 “Rossa” Cedar Park, 2021

I decided to switch up the bicycle handlebar situation a bit by putting the Upanbike swept riser bars that were on Mango onto Rossa, then putting the butterfly bars, which were sitting in the garage, back on Mango. Once I replaced Rossa’s flat bars with the riser bars, the riding experience is so much more comfortable!

Rossa is an old mountain bike, and bikes of that era had the handlebars way out front over the front wheel. Modern mountain bikes position the bars farther back (as well as different overall geometry) so the risk of going over the bars is lessened. I don’t take Rossa on any downhills, so for me I just wanted the more comfortable upright position, and the Upanbike handlebars certainly help. It’s so much more fun for me now! As an added bonus, I think they look really sharp. 😁

If you have time, come with me as I take the Rossa’s “new” handlebars for a spin around the neighborhood:

Biergarten and Band

, , Food, Slice of Life1 Comment on Biergarten and Band
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/16, 1/25 sec, ISO1600
 “Krause’s Café” New Braunfels, 2021

Today we went to see Koa’s marching band perform in the UIL Area competition with ~23 other schools. But before that, Mariko and I stopped at Krause’s Café and Biergarten for a late lunch with friends. The beer and food were great, and the atmosphere inside the beer hall was very nice. The weather was just perfect! It was so fun to hang out with new friends. We could have probably hung out for a few hours but we had to get to the band competition for the finals.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/90 sec, ISO125
 “Sausage Plate” New Braunfels, 2021

The stadium was about 30 minutes away from the biergarten and we arrived to find some good seats right on the 50-yard line and halfway up the stands. We’ve seen a few of the bands before, but many were new to us so it was interesting to see the different kinds of shows and music they performed. Texas certainly has an exceptional marching band culture, and we’re fortunate that Koa’s school is one of the best. But what I really think is cool about high school marching band is that all the kids support the other bands and many cross-band friendships are formed throughout the year.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/3.2, 1/120 sec, ISO640
 “Ranger Band” Converse, 2021

It was a long day, but very fun to hang out with friends and listen to lots of music. I hope you had a good day too! またね～

Japanese Magazine from 1972

I Like It, Slice of Life1 Comment on Japanese Magazine from 1972
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO1250
 “Old Magazine” Cedar Park, 2021

Mariko had put this women’s magazine from 1972 into the recycling box, but I love the style of it, so I rescued it and have been enjoying looking through the ads and photos. There are lots of cool rice cookers, appliances, and who-knows-what-else! I also love the designs and fonts… they are so cool.

It’s also kind of fun to think that my Peugeot bicycle, Sophie, is the same age as this magazine. They are literally of the same era. 😄

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/3.6, 1/13 sec, ISO800
 “Rice Cooker” Cedar Park, 2021
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/90 sec, ISO3200
 “Organ” Cedar Park, 2021

Relax Mode

, , , Misc., Slice of LifeLeave a Comment on Relax Mode
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/3.6, 1/120 sec, ISO640
 “Lantern View” Cedar Park, 2021

The past few evenings, my main mode of relaxation is to light my Dietz lantern, and watch soothing Japanese and Korean camping videos. The campsite setups are really cool, the views are often amazing, and the food looks absolutely delicious! It’s a little different from the normal camping in the States – the lack of picnic tables is notable – but I love to see the gear that people use. A lot of it is very おしゃれ (fashionable) and expensive, but really elevates the experience from basic camping to glamping.

I really enjoy camping, and have shifted towards a more minimalist and lightweight gear set up. This is essential if you are carrying everything on your back for miles before you get to the campsite. But for car-camping, why not splurge and bring the heavy gear, larger stoves, full cooler, and extra lanterns and string lights? 😄

Here are a few of the channels I have been enjoying:

I hope you had a nice day! またね～