Today would be Day 1 of my 5th AIDS Lifecycle ride. Yesterday I worked at registration day in bike parking. It was great to see and help the riders. Veterans and first time riders so excited and nervous. I saw old friends and many times literally felt I'd cry. I wish I was riding, wish I was ready.

But this year my focus is on making this one tiny point on the planet, my home, better. It's time. My timing could have been better. If I'd remodeled before the mortgage crisis I'd have earned a large profit. On the other hand last year I did not know H. my carpenter, I could have been ripped off like the previous work.

No regrets. And I would not miss the memories of last years rides for anything though I would like to have missed the injury (further damage to my foot).

Pictured above is a triple bike. When these three guys said "we need another rider" I think they were halfway serious. But I was very serious that
1) I don't have the funds or the time off
2) I'm not setting out on a tripple with a first time captain who just got the bike last week!

I wished them tailwinds and a safe ride. I felt pensive as I discussed strategy for Day 1, fueling, what to bring, how to put your ride number on .... as if "this is what I do, it's what I know how to do, I'm a Lifecycle rider, I should be here".

But I have to make a home first and it's getting closer. Maybe next year with my neice and my partner  and a beautiful and greener home.

The granite counters have arrived. They are installed and dahling, they look mahvelous. Instalation was not without drama but what remodel goes entirely smoothly? 

Now I get to reclaim the kitchen. All remodels start by getting everything and anything out of the way. Since long before the work began that meant ... no kitchen.