It was bound to happen sooner or later. I think we actually got a bit lucky, considering the temperatures stayed in the 30s and 40s until about a week ago. As a matter of fact, a week ago today, I did a good, long ride up to Seoul.
But over the past week, it was more often like this…
I can ride in the cold, but when the road is more ice and snow than not, I just can’t swing it. Fortunately, I have an indoor trainer, and I set it up today and I’ll probably put in a few miles tomorrow. But of course, nothing can beat the actual riding out in the countryside. We took a drive today and I couldn’t help but remember the rides I’d taken on (or near) just about every road on which I’d driven. Sure, next August when it’s 90 degrees, I’ll be cursing the heat again. But at least when it’s 90, I can get up at 4 in the morning and get a ride in for the sunrise. No such luxury when it’s 15. Rain isn’t a problem if it happens. Ice stays.
So what can one do when one can’t ride? Read? Well, I kind of struck out on that today too. I read portions of at least four books today, but none of them gained any traction with me. A few moments of interest, but not much peace in the reading. I did just about finish The Grapes of Wrath on our drive today. Listened to enough that I’ll probably get the rest done tonight before I go to bed.
Fortunately, I remembered that Micha and I wanted to watch Guillermo del Toro’s version of Pinocchio. I find the del Toro absolutely fascinating. I enjoyed the magic and creativity of Pan’s Labyrinth, and watched his recent series. Cabinet of Curiosities. His stuff is so refreshing to watch — artistic and beautiful in many ways. Intricate in details. Always leaving me in wonder. I think you can’t go wrong watching it (it’s on Netflix right now).
A quick note. It’s been a while since I’ve read any entertainment reviews. I think they’ve changed, and for the worse. It seems they’ve got to nod to the zeitgeist of the day — they’ve got to look for the hidden messages and always cast an eye toward the “issues” we face in society. It’s not blatant, but I get these undercurrents. “Critics” are starting to miss things because they’re too busy trying to tell us if something is offensive. Something on which I’ll keep my eye in the future. Or not.