Sunny Ride with the Brompton

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/2100 sec, ISO32
 “Piplup” Cedar Park, 2022

After several grey and rainy days, the sun came out and it was so welcomed (by me, at least) that I went for a run and a bicycle ride! My afternoon cruise around the neighborhood was a lot of fun.

The Brompton is a great bike to ride slow and take in all the views. It’s the opposite of Sophie, my Peugeot road bike, which is not easy to stop, go, and get off frequently. She’s made for going fast from point A to B.

My Brompton, Piplup, on the other hand is super-easy to get off of and stand, to take photos or just enjoy the scenery. It’s quite versatile!

Anyways, on today’s neighborhood ride I saw a large bird (Great Blue Heron?) at the pond, and saw lots of trees’ leaves turning colors. It was nice to get some fresh air, clear my mind, and also get some sun. 🌤️

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/2300 sec, ISO32
 “Bird” Cedar Park, 2022
Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 1.55mm, f/2.4, 1/1250 sec, ISO25
 “Colorful Leaves” Cedar Park, 2022

Our Thanksgiving Spread

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO1250
 “Thanksgiving Meal” Cedar Park, 2022

This year, we had a small Thanksgiving celebration at our house, with just the four of us. It was nice to have both our sons home from school! It seems like a long time since we celebrated without any guests, but it was a nice change. And I have to say, the turkey turned out the best it’s been in a few years!

In fact, I think I’ll not mess with the recipe any further as I have done each year, and will stick with the overnight wet-brine, then 500°F for 30 minutes, followed by 350° until 161° internal temperature has been reached, then rest for at least 15 minutes. (This is Alton Brown’s old recipe) The bird was so juicy and tender… unlike the disappointments of the last couple of years’.

Anyways, we had the usual side dishes of oyster dressing, acorn squash, cranberry sauce, cheesy potatoes, and potato salad. There was a lack of green this time, which we’ll have to fix next year. 😀

I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving!

Birria Tacos

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO1600
 “Birria Fry” Cedar Park, 2022

Today we made some Birria Tacos. Koa had made these before and wanted to eat them again, so he sent me the recipe. I cooked the meat for a few hours, and then we both fried up the tacos. They were pretty good, but took a while to make. Still, it was fun to cook with my son. 😀

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO1600
 “Birria Prep” Cedar Park, 2022
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO1000
 “Birria Tacos” Cedar Park, 2022

Omiyage and Songbook

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO1600
 “Goodies” Cedar Park, 2022

My wife returned from Japan today, and brought back so many gifts and souvenirs. Here’s a few that she got for me. The book of Ghibli songs for ukulele is awesome! So many good tunes to learn. And I love the cover design… it’s so cool.