tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56314212454746471752024-03-13T05:32:41.406-07:00Snacks the PegasusMy experience as a member of Team Pegasus, from a total n00b to owner of more spandex than cotton.Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.comBlogger470125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-72939754910286625682014-04-16T10:59:00.001-07:002014-04-16T10:59:10.891-07:00SnipsI hope you're ready for some more photos of Citizen Snips, for while my blogging had stopped, this cat is still on a roll.<br />
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<br />Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-21195362224307789632014-04-07T11:15:00.000-07:002014-04-07T11:15:04.536-07:00What I'm working on...Hey all,<div>
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For those not following along in real life or on Facebook, I recently moved to be closer to work (which moved to Wilton, CT from Bethel, CT) and I've been very busy fixing up the new digs. I'm living with two roommates and I snagged the grandest room (aaand paying a little extra for it, too). I wasn't a huge fan of the other two rooms - one is in a corner of the house that also happens to be on an intersection and the other is carpeted. Neither of them had the kind of light my room has, either. All of this is to say, I'm fancy now, with the best light in the whole house, and I have my own fireplace (which maybe works, maybe doesn't) and dressing room.</div>
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Since I'm spending a lot of time nesting, I figured I'd give an introduction to the house, because I'm sure it'll show up a lot on the blog. I really enjoy the little home improvement and decorating stuff that I can manage. I didn't do very well with taking before shots because I was so impatient to dive into projects, but I'll post the general stuff.</div>
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This is my room, through the different stages.</div>
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The fireplace side of the room:</div>
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Opposite side. (The paned windows requiring 2-3 coats of paint to cover up that blue will absolutely be the death of me).</div>
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So glad to start covering up the paint.</div>
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I debated color for a while but decided that with the low(er) ceilings and the orange-ish floors, white paint would be best. One of my favorite blogs had <a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/13473129095_3e82c56609_b.jpg" target="_blank">her house's paint colors</a> listed, so I went with her shades of white to let all my artwork and thangs shine.</div>
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As an aside, I was homeless and drifting for about a month and a half due to a house that we were supposed to be moving into having one problem after another, eventually rendering it unlivable (no heat, no water). It's embarrassingly wonderful to a) know that I have a place to live and make my home and b) have all of my things back and on display. Each thing is being dragged around the country for a reason; I made it or a friend made it, my mom got it for me, I got it while abroad, etc. The room is still a work in progress, and I need to finish making the curtains, but this is the general idea, and it makes me happy.</div>
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The cat's particularly happy in the new house. I'm going to sound like a total cat owner, but for some reason Snips really did seem to know it was home and not temporary, like the places we bounced around to for a while. He took to it immediately, which made me feel better about the whole ordeal.</div>
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For the record, my two favorite DIY/super classy designer-y interior design blogs are <a href="http://www.doorsixteen.com/" target="_blank">Door Sixteen</a> and <a href="http://manhattan-nest.com/" target="_blank">Manhattan Nest</a>. I desperately aspire to be like them someday.</div>
Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-3048060697819157522014-04-01T12:08:00.000-07:002014-04-01T12:08:37.229-07:00Hanging Hills with RachelA while ago I went hiking with good buddy Rachel at Hanging Hills in Connecticut. It's got a 'castle' that we decided to hike up to. It's probably a very pretty park in the summer with the river, et al. Conditions were cold with icy, slippery/crusty snow when we were there, but no matter.<br />
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Weird castle tower... yay? On the way down we happened upon something really cool, though. This little ditch/stream had the most beautiful topographic ice on it. It must have been formed over a few days, with different levels and temperatures of water. The top of the ice was smooth but underneath there were crisp lines between different thicknesses of ice.</div>
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It also made a really beautiful tinkling glass sound when it was broken because it was thin ice and there was no water underneath to dampen the sound. Beautiful looks vs beautiful sound. It was a conundrum. We compromised by only messing around with the areas that were already broken.</div>
Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-2930274100456243702014-03-31T13:21:00.000-07:002014-03-31T13:21:07.883-07:00Overmountain Launch<div>
This is one of the things I've been up to for the past year or so - working on graphics for the Overmountain line, specifically the <a href="http://www.cannondale.com/overmountain/trigger/" target="_blank">Trigger 27.5</a> and <a href="http://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2014/march/grand-budapest-hotel" target="_blank">Jekyll 27.5</a>. My favorites are the Jekyll Carbon Team and the Trigger Carbon Team and 2. I've got a soft spot for the Triggers especially.</div>
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It gives me warm fuzzies to read an article and look through the photos of pro riders ripping around on 'my' bikes. Like, say, <a href="http://www.bikemag.com/interviews/interview-meet-marco-osborne-cannondales-rookie-enduro-racer/" target="_blank">this article on exciting new rider Marco</a>.</div>
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I do all I can and it's rewarding to see the <a href="http://stwww.bikemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/21.jpg" target="_blank">finished product</a>.</div>
Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-13364168796201126262013-08-29T14:12:00.002-07:002013-08-29T14:12:59.840-07:00Still KickingHey All!<br />
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Due to being crazy busy, and having accidentally washed my camera with my sheets, there haven't been many blog posts lately. But now Eurobike prep is over and my replacement camera is in the mail... ah, and I'm on vacation as of today. I should have some nice, somewhat interesting stuff to post about pretty soon.<br />
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While you wait, here's a photo of a ladies' ride I did this past weekend. I haven't been out on the mountain bike for months (which is an actual crime in some circles) and it was so good to get out again.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9610209375/" title="Huntington Ladies' Ride by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Huntington Ladies' Ride" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/9610209375_a85ccc6fe6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The chick who set the ride up, Lindsay, is new to mountain biking and promised she would be the slowest one on the ride. I showed her who's boss and held us up the most, though, going back through sections two, three and sometimes four times, trying to get back up to speed with technical skills. The other ladies got some extra practice in, too. What's more, Lindsay was totally not slow. She's been practicing and it shows. She doesn't ride like a beginner!<br />
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Anyway, I've got to catch my last flight to Durango, CO, where I will enjoy being on vacation and far, far away from Connecticut. (Sorry, CT, you just suck.)Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-37926654782889896452013-07-29T21:46:00.000-07:002013-07-29T21:46:03.977-07:00Bull's Bridge etcThis past weekend (How many of my blog posts start this way? Maybe just enough.) Tyler and I took the long way to go on a road ride. The first stop was the famous <a href="http://www.etflea.com/_/Home.html" target="_blank">Elephant Trunk</a> flea market. We just stopped in for the last 45 minutes, so it wasn't too happenin', but it was an interesting flea. There's a special place in my heart for the Wellfleet flea, though, and I don't see this one replacing it. I did get a little succulent plant for $5 because I'm secretly half hipster and require things like succulents, hiking boots with red laces and things with birds on them.<br />
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That pocket on my shirt? Birds.<br />
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We made another quick stop at a vintage store we had seen driving through last weekend, but it was a bit of a bust. Interestingly enough, though, the bottom story of this house was half vintage store, half knife and sword store called 'Affordable Swordables'. Let it not be said these guys don't have a sense of humor.<br />
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Then we did one last bit of procrastinating before our road ride - we stopped to kick around <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bull's_Bridge" target="_blank">Bull's Bridge</a>, a covered bridge near the Connecticut/New York state line.<br />
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The day we went was sadly the last day of swimming, as they've been having a lot of trouble with vandalism and littering.<br />
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We hopped around below the bridge for a while.<br />
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It was a popular place - gotta wonder how well the crack down on swimming will go.<br />
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We made our way up above the bridge to explore a little more. This side had some really interesting rock.<br />
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There were lots of holes that almost looked like they had been drilled in the rocks.<br />
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It got really neat up above what I assume is a dam.<br />
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I shamelessly used my camera's 'miniaturize' setting.<br />
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After allll that explorin', we finally got down to some riding.<br />
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...and a little posing.<br />
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After that, there was a quick dinner at the White Horse (check out the squinty horse!) and a pretty sunset.<br />
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Wrapped up another good one.Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-51535649616682981612013-07-12T09:42:00.000-07:002013-07-12T09:44:38.275-07:00Bikes and BikesI recently bit the bullet and ordered a Cannondale - it's cool, it's only been about a year since I started here. Since I was riding smaller brand bikes instead of competitors - I usually commute in on my Salsa Chili Con Crosso cross bike - it wasn't too much of a problem. The cross bike works alright for road rides, but for a while now I've wanted to replace the Blue RC6 road frame that I cracked in Asheville. After several months of commuting, I cashed in my commuter points (which count as $$$ toward employee purchases) and managed to cover much of the cost of the Women's Supersix Evo with Di2. It's just plain silly.<br />
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I'm not much of one for some women's cycling products, but I was awkwardly positioned between a 50 and 52 in the men's bikes, and the size 54 women's Evo has indeed turned out to be a good fit. I'll take it!<br />
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Obviously it's not dialed yet - I basically just pulled it out of the box two days ago and took off - but this is the 'before' shot. I'm going to paint the frame and fork in our paint booth once I get the artwork for it done. The graphics on it are not mine, btw. They were done by a woman who worked here before my time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9259742520/" title="Cannondale SuperSix EVO by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Cannondale SuperSix EVO" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3792/9259742520_24e0d8f8d5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Always desperate to be 'different', I did make a quick adjustment as a placeholder, though.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9256961163/" title="Cannondale SuperSix EVO by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Cannondale SuperSix EVO" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/9256961163_460b57fa86.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9259746762/" title="Cannondale SuperSix EVO by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Cannondale SuperSix EVO" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5341/9259746762_9bc68abf34.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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That sticker and many other charming ones available from <a href="http://market.allhailtheblackmarket.com/market/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2&zenid=37c8a243c257c15c1c3a71e961c50877" target="_blank">All Hail the Black Market</a>, should you be interested.Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-87941052925765749542013-07-11T12:09:00.003-07:002013-07-11T12:09:33.522-07:00Mermaid Parade, Part 2: AftermathWhile in the neighborhood for the Mermaid Parade, we got a hot dog at Nathan's Famous...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9124680101/" title="P1010371 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010371" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/9124680101_f4717c3de3.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
and
rode the Cyclone, which was the most fun I've had in a long time. It's
so rickety and amazing. Tyler and I squeezed in one ancient seat, which
we periodically flew out of over rough drops.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9127594781/" title="P1010624 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010624" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7361/9127594781_3c8b240f70.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9129789330/" title="P1010628 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010628" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/9129789330_2ef1696849.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
After
all the fun and games in Coney Island, we biked over to Red Hook, got
some groceries to snack on and went to a park to watch the sunset.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9129737890/" title="P1010641 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010641" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/9129737890_95d98cfb49.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9129706014/" title="P1010653 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010653" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/9129706014_3fb67cc0aa.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9129686908/" title="P1010661 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010661" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/9129686908_7ce603d632.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9127517813/" title="P1010644 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010644" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7290/9127517813_49219fd45a.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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After the big show, we hopped on our bikes and pedaled over to dinner. There was an impressive moon.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9129666618/" title="P1010667 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010667" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/9129666618_4795fd9f87.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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When
I first moved to Connecticut from Asheville (land of 1,000,000 outdoor
activities) I wasn't impressed with CT or excited to have New York 'in
my backyard'. I've kind of had to adjust my summertime expectations, but
it's been good. Instead of truly amazing hiking, biking, etc, there are
really fun events to go to and city thangs to explore instead. I miss
the quality nature, but it's been easy to enjoy what's here. The ocean's
rad, with plenty of fat-biking opportunities. Things are A-OK.Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-6598482262429029792013-07-09T16:19:00.000-07:002013-07-09T16:19:45.605-07:00Mermaid Parade, Part 1A few weekends ago, Tyler and I met Ben down in NYC to hit up the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island. It was my first time checking out Coney Island. I was excited to see it all. The Mermaid Parade was about as you'd expect. Warning: nudity dead ahead.<br />
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There were SO MANY excellent costumes, but I'll just post a few of my favorites. There were a couple of guys dressed up as sea monkeys.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9123892687/" title="P1010476 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010476" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/9123892687_650aae501c.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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I love the little lobster legs on her belly.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9128118393/" title="P1010517 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010517" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/9128118393_f6d4f3d132.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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This fabric art/sculpture was my favorite dress by far.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9130282226/" title="P1010528 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010528" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/9130282226_a86592f19a.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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I apologize if this is offensive to you, but this girl was clearly loving life. I'm all for it. Word.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9127879919/" title="P1010564 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010564" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/9127879919_b857f992e8.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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There was a mini 'Sharks vs Wets' West Side Story-style show that was really fun.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9130128024/" title="P1010558 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010558" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/9130128024_2aa2b143c5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Official photographer, officially winning my heart.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9124451763/" title="P1010395 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010395" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/9124451763_1288c313a7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9126658996/" title="P1010397 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010397" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7450/9126658996_b5f1acd892.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9124361485/" title="P1010405 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010405" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5514/9124361485_83605e5093.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9123973689/" title="P1010464 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010464" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7394/9123973689_43bd7bba79.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I think this was paper maché.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9127996433/" title="P1010544 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010544" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/9127996433_b5bac1d8d6.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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So many more costumes, but that's what I'd consider cream of the crop. More on the day's activities in the next post...Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-49751744619573029422013-07-08T21:08:00.000-07:002013-07-08T21:08:47.861-07:004th of JulyFor the Fourth of July weekend Tyler, Ben and I went out to the Cape to my aunt's cottage. We got out to Province town a few times, and hit all the Wellfleet musts, like the flea market, the drive-in, Mac's seafood and all the little stores, hikes and beaches in between. Tyler and I had fat-bikes, and we also managed to fit his little scooter (technically classified as a bicycle, or e-bike, due to the wimpiness of the motor) in the back of the van, so we had something to zip around on. The weekend looked something like this (in no particular order):<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9236249299/" title="P1010677 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010677" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/9236249299_0b71af038d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9236198115/" title="P1010696_3 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010696_3" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/9236198115_b1a2946073.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9236182613/" title="P1010703_3 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010703_3" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/9236182613_8a2799d9b9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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(I'm getting a helmet for that bad boy, stat.)<br />
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Here we're watching some guys squid fishing in Provincetown.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9238905532/" title="P1010723 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010723" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/9238905532_7edd6e16e0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I made this quilt! It's not done yet, but it still worked.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9238884086/" title="P1010732 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010732" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/9238884086_2f812633d2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9236070769/" title="P1010748 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010748" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/9236070769_03e9b9c7e2.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9236019263/" title="P1010764_3 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010764_3" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/9236019263_7c591d8550.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Curious seals.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9235806959/" title="P1010860 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010860" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7362/9235806959_356e834a0a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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It was sunscreen meltingly hot.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9238790476/" title="P1010767_3 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010767_3" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3823/9238790476_04861630de.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Thrift store find. I managed not to part with $25 for this thang. It is for some other lucky thrifter.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9238745720/" title="P1010782_3 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010782_3" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/9238745720_4f3c92d825.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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Lots of hammock time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9238733314/" title="P1010791_3 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010791_3" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2819/9238733314_85e6dce94b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9236040345/" title="P1010758 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010758" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/9236040345_7bbf4420a3.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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Walking near Wellfleet.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9235934953/" title="P1010802_3 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010802_3" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/9235934953_0478c30272.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9235929405/" title="P1010806_3 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010806_3" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7443/9235929405_307f584868.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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The drive-in movie theater in Wellfleet.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9238686182/" title="P1010823_3 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010823_3" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5509/9238686182_e58c834e4e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Lighthouse tour by fat-bike (we saw two).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9238613420/" title="P1010845 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010845" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3802/9238613420_96849837ae.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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Grillin'<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9238634368/" title="P1010839_3 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010839_3" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/9238634368_1c66753a0a.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9235773329/" title="P1010878 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010878" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3768/9235773329_7ed33cf796.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9238520742/" title="P1010900 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010900" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/9238520742_b6a9e971af.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9235749207/" title="P1010892 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010892" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5488/9235749207_7d5d36dfef.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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Shark attack. Did you know Jaws was based on the beaches on the Cape? Now you do.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9238517798/" title="P1010901 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010901" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9238517798_c9b431fd22.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9238503372/" title="P1010908 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010908" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5335/9238503372_718180a935.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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AMERICA.Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-9874011048587980342013-07-08T19:39:00.000-07:002013-07-08T19:39:01.490-07:00Swim on, PatriceMy good buddy Patrice, the male betta fish I kept at my desk, has passed on to a better place. And by that I mean I could see that he was fatally ill but couldn't bring myself to end the suffering, so I had a coworker do the deed for me. This coworker informs me that this contract killing and any other such killings (any ex- or current boyfriends giving me trouble) will be free. I'm afraid I've given him a taste for blood.<br />
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Unpleasant though Patrice's final days may have been, let us remember the spry young yellow fish I brought home on January 17, 2010. Over three and a half years I've had this guy, from my desk at Hayes, to my house in Asheville and now here for very nearly a year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/4283457129/" title="Snips and Patrice, my new fish. by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Snips and Patrice, my new fish." height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2743/4283457129_06a5f6285a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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So long, old friend.Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-783008375566605852013-07-02T11:47:00.001-07:002013-07-02T11:47:57.191-07:00The Fourth is coming up!I made these onesies for a friend's twin boys to wear for the Fourth of July. I'm hoping to encourage an interest in history.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/landskywater/9190772771/" title="Snaks outdid herself on some out of this word holiday gear for the boys ! by landskywater, on Flickr"><img alt="Snaks outdid herself on some out of this word holiday gear for the boys !" height="374" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/9190772771_bccd60542a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Just wait until you see MY Fourth of July outfit. Let's just say the ol' sewing machine has seen some action lately.Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-33053060893295360652013-06-26T07:51:00.003-07:002013-06-26T07:51:14.072-07:00The CommuteThis is a little shot of my scenic commute home. I've been hitting it hard since May and racking up the commuter miles.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/9127248344/" title="Riding to Work by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Riding to Work" height="399" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3799/9127248344_5565cd04ed.jpg" width="500" /></a>Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-35368823289713665432013-06-21T07:43:00.002-07:002013-06-21T07:43:40.577-07:00Missing Wisconsin, and the CZCC logoI could really get going on how I miss Wisconsin, its excellent cycling series (take your pick - WORS, WEMS, TOAD or the CX Series) and the really wonderful people that attend these races, but there are only so many hours in the day, so I'll leave it at that.<br />
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On facebook I'm seeing a lot of things pop up about TOAD, or <a href="http://www.tourofamericasdairyland.com/" target="_blank">Tour of America's Dairyland</a>. I have a lot of respect for the series, and miss going to spectate the pro races.<br />
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This year I did a logo for the <a href="http://www.tourofamericasdairyland.com/schedule/waukesha-about.php" target="_blank">Carl Zach Cycling Classic</a>. It was all-around nice to work on this logo, and I'm glad I could still be a tiny part of TOAD.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8906330394/" title="Carl Zach Cycling Classic Logo by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Carl Zach Cycling Classic Logo" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8396/8906330394_cac748ae19.jpg" width="385" /></a><br />
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I also modified Waukesha's crest for when it's placed next to the CZ Cycling Classic logo.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8905711481/" title="Waukesha Award Shield by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Waukesha Award Shield" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/8905711481_2a6524ce31.jpg" width="384" /></a><br />
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If you are reading this blog and are in the area, do yourself a favor and check out <a href="http://www.tourofamericasdairyland.com/schedule/schedule.php" target="_blank">one of the races</a>. Even if you're not into cycling (an even smaller section of this blog (.01%?) ) I urge you to spectate one. It's a spectacle. Take some snacks and some drinks, if that's your thing, and enjoy a lovely summer evening in a pretty neighborhood.Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-90563863928926581502013-06-10T17:11:00.002-07:002013-06-10T17:18:19.417-07:00Get it while you can!Pegasus kit is available for sale <a href="http://www.panachecyclewear.com/custom/pegasus.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> for a very limited time. As in, get on over there before the 17th, because after that you'll be out of luck. You have roughly six days. Get to it.<br />
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As a reminder, here's what it looks like.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8809120995/" title="Pegasus_Casual_Kit by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Pegasus_Casual_Kit" height="467" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7404/8809120995_47523a0cd9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Remember? It looked great and you really wanted some.Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-47542759889569987892013-06-10T17:07:00.001-07:002013-06-10T17:07:17.466-07:00Frame PaintingThese photos are from a ways back, but I'm still pretty psyched (yes, psyched) that I'm learning to paint frames. I'd tell you all about it, but I'm not sure how much should be public knowledge. You know, since everything I take part in is such a big deal, I have to assume it's sensitive information. You understand.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8865811357/" title="IMG_3009 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3009" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8280/8865811357_ab4bc1a98e.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8866420534/" title="IMG_3006 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3006" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/8866420534_77492fff6b.jpg" width="375" /></a>Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-68368078319468979072013-05-24T18:04:00.001-07:002013-05-24T18:10:20.017-07:00New Pegasus KitThis weekend I'm hanging out in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. My friend Rachel is marrying some friends... as in, she's officiating their wedding. It's pretty here!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nodeadpedestrians/8807877895/" title="Dundee, NY by No Dead Pedestrians, on Flickr"><img alt="Dundee, NY" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/8807877895_5c7272888e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately it's also unnecessarily cold here. Like 40 degrees or something unreasonable like that. Unnn... believable.</div>
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So I'm parked in the hotel room watching tv. It's ok. I'll be active tomorrow. (We brought road bikes.) It's been a long week of long nights being awesome and designing awesome things. It really takes it out of you.</div>
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I've gotten so much done, though! I did a logo for a crit in Wisconsin, which I'll post as soon as it's finalized. And here's the final Pegasus Casual Kit design!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8809120995/" title="Pegasus_Casual_Kit by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Pegasus_Casual_Kit" height="467" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7404/8809120995_47523a0cd9.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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In the end it won't change the face of cycling kit, but I think it's pretty solid. If you think it's solid, too, you'll be able to pre-order it soon. This is the first kit we're opening to non-Pegasi.</div>
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As for me, I'll be here watching a Gravity Falls marathon. The opening credits are neat.</div>
Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-58488996934097489202013-05-22T17:39:00.000-07:002013-05-22T17:39:08.744-07:00Pegasus Kit Coming SoonI've been busy! I just finished the new Pegasus kit, which will be available to the public shortly. I'm excited to show it off, but we're just releasing teasers for now.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_locust/8779919139/" title="Preview 1 by th3l0cust, on Flickr"><img alt="Preview 1" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3799/8779919139_3c643ef244.jpg" width="408" /></a><br />
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I'll explain about the squirrel when the kit gets released. It hearkens back to the old days of Pegasus, circa 2005.<br />
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And now, back to work for me!Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-69519548271596548752013-05-18T14:53:00.000-07:002013-05-18T14:53:45.039-07:00Living Through the LensIt's a new and amazing feeling to look though these photos and articles by <a href="http://www.mattwragg.co.uk/" target="_blank">Matt Wragg</a> on <a href="http://pinkbike.com/">pinkbike.com</a> about the Enduro World Series and recognize the surroundings from my vacation last month.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Enduro-World-Series-Round-One-Punta-Ala-Build-up.html" target="_blank">Enduro World Series Build-up</a><br />
I stayed in the campground the riders are staying in. In one of the cottages just like the one pictured. I was there on those beaches, and I presume I rode one or two of those trails (it's harder for me to recognize those sorts of things). I know that parking lot, I know of the charcoal burning spots in the woods, and I recognize the restaurant some of the riders are hanging out in front of. I was even able to recognize Ben Cruz's perma-pervy smile from the time I spent in Finale Ligure during the team camp. It all feels pretty damn awesome.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Enduro-World-Series-Round-One-Punta-Ala-Prologue.html" target="_blank">Enduro World Series Prologue</a><br />
And this! I walked up and down these streets and can recognize the view. It would have been amazing to be there, seeing the streets I lazily toured filled with fans and racers. I'll just have to use my memory and the photographer's lens. It's a strange feeling in that I've never read race articles and wanted to be there in this way. It almost feels like there's a race on my home turf and I'm not there to see it.<br />
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Alas that I live here in reality and not in Punta Ala.Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-88489872586496472772013-05-16T18:36:00.001-07:002013-05-16T18:36:08.590-07:00Tree FrogToday I was sitting at my desk and pretending to work (kidding!) and my friend Lindsay came up to me and said she had something to show me outside. "A present for me?" I asked. She said, "Sort of." And indeed it was. I love all the little creatures, and this happened to be an adorable tree frog.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8743950179/" title="Frog Rescue by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Frog Rescue" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/8743950179_d8879cb55c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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This bike is used to zip between the two buildings at work, and somebody noticed the frog as he was biking over to the office. There was a small crowd gathered, and we basically spent a few minutes cooing over it and taking pictures (tweet tweet!) before setting it back in the wild.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8745068000/" title="Frog Rescue by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Frog Rescue" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/8745068000_f1d0f43b7d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I'm gonna put this picture in here because even though my hair is still in a ratty old braid from biking to work, I'm wearing a perfectly nice dress and jacket, which is better than most days.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8743948883/" title="Frog Rescue by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Frog Rescue" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/8743948883_ef20ccbecb.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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After everyone had their fill we rolled the bike over to a tree and persuaded him to jump ship.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8745067202/" title="Frog Rescue by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Frog Rescue" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8745067202_f2b2d92e24.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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He wasn't getting it at first.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8745066614/" title="Frog Rescue by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Frog Rescue" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8745066614_8407565e48.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Oh, goodness. So cute.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8745066368/" title="Frog Rescue by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Frog Rescue" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/8745066368_107d5dcf9e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8743947269/" title="Frog Rescue by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Frog Rescue" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/8743947269_28ec00028e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Home safe! And that, gentlepeople, is how you blog about something crazy-mundane.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8745064786/" title="Frog Rescue by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Frog Rescue" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/8745064786_121852bcb6.jpg" width="375" /></a>Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-27113949559366416312013-05-12T19:58:00.002-07:002013-05-12T19:58:50.168-07:00TarrywileThis weekend was not as charmed as last weekend, but luckily I've got a few good friends to brighten things up. Lindsay and I bummed around the house yesterday, and today Rachel stopped by for a visit. We went to <a href="http://tarrywile.com/" target="_blank">Tarrywile</a>, which is really a neat place for, uh, a place in Danbury. There are some decent little hiking trails, and today was especially nice with the sun and all the families out and about.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8734229558/" title="Tarrywile by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarrywile" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/8734229558_1f1426f4c8.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8733104403/" title="Tarrywile by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarrywile" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/8733104403_edf0a40823.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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Rachel was transported to a magical place by my camera's 'miniaturize' setting.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8734218664/" title="Tarrywile by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarrywile" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7301/8734218664_584db7ab97.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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It was a decent outing, even if I was at one point threatened with a stick by a depraved individual.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8734225482/" title="Tarrywile by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarrywile" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/8734225482_197d1a5508.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8733110727/" title="Tarrywile by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarrywile" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/8733110727_58c0ceeee3.jpg" width="500" /></a>Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-66421065509935939602013-05-07T21:38:00.003-07:002013-05-10T09:36:04.058-07:00Tarquinia, TooLet's travel back, shall we? On my last day in Italy, if you remember, we visited Tarquinia - but that was not all! I know, you were hoping that was it. Sorry. I've got a few more things to report on. In Tarquinia, there's a famous necropolis, which we tried to check out. Unfortunately, it was a Monday and things are generally closed on Mondays in Italy. We saw what we could, and poked around and found an old aqueduct, too.<br />
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Here's one of the tombs we saw.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8719727796/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/8719727796_10b7c2a7a7.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Matt got about this far before he stopped and hollered.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8719727094/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/8719727094_fe1d74d9c8.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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The chamber was swarming with fairly harmless looking but still disturbingly large black wing-ed insects. They were everywhere and Matt didn't want to risk getting any in his hair.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8719724298/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/8719724298_8d786e281a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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This was the inside, for those who are curious. All those black spots? Big icky bugs.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8719723532/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/8719723532_0f119669ff.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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We had spotted an aqueduct from the road and went to check it out. It was neat to see one in person.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8718616353/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7353/8718616353_c3a3494723.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8719734228/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/8719734228_236b408b24.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8719728738/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7404/8719728738_09e3f730d1.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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The top.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8718612003/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/8718612003_2fa27dbe98.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Looking out across the field.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8718613761/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/8718613761_00237a11e9.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Inspired by our near miss of the Etruscan necropolis in Tarquinia, Matt found another necropolis on the way to Rome to check out, the Necropolis of the Banditaccia. This place was really interesting with plenty to explore, even without the grand tombs that were closed. We got mobbed by cats and a guide dog when we got there.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8678785750/" title="Necropolis of the Banditaccia by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Necropolis of the Banditaccia" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8531/8678785750_ff637d930d.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Seriously, there were a serious number of cats.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8677639579/" title="Necropolis of the Banditaccia by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Necropolis of the Banditaccia" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8535/8677639579_e4f7988360.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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There was a sunken road of sorts lined with tombs.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8678747480/" title="Necropolis of the Banditaccia by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Necropolis of the Banditaccia" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8397/8678747480_c960e8f9a1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8678752248/" title="Necropolis of the Banditaccia by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Necropolis of the Banditaccia" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8404/8678752248_80a19cd1dc.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Our guide dog posed for a photo on top of this one.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8677643637/" title="Necropolis of the Banditaccia by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Necropolis of the Banditaccia" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8402/8677643637_8d8abd1dfc.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8678752452/" title="Necropolis of the Banditaccia by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Necropolis of the Banditaccia" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8678752452_4a210f517a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Lots of them were flooded.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8677643183/" title="Necropolis of the Banditaccia by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Necropolis of the Banditaccia" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8677643183_fc15c93093.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8677642277/" title="Necropolis of the Banditaccia by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Necropolis of the Banditaccia" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8677642277_e32f9379b6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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After walking down the road a while, we got into the nicer neighborhood of the larger tombs that seemed to be at least partially built out instead of just carved into the rock.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8678750342/" title="Necropolis of the Banditaccia by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Necropolis of the Banditaccia" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8264/8678750342_1c58d1c372.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8677639873/" title="Necropolis of the Banditaccia by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Necropolis of the Banditaccia" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8677639873_8e4a3b13bb.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Here's the ceiling of one of those.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8678750272/" title="Necropolis of the Banditaccia by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Necropolis of the Banditaccia" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8678750272_a4eb015cd5.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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How about a short creature feature? There were some snails here and there, and a giant worm.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8677640169/" title="Necropolis of the Banditaccia by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Necropolis of the Banditaccia" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8117/8677640169_f953176ce2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8678747720/" title="Necropolis of the Banditaccia by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Necropolis of the Banditaccia" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8256/8678747720_0b8ac30806.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Hand for reference, click on the photo to see the whole thing.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8678747916/" title="Necropolis of the Banditaccia by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Necropolis of the Banditaccia" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8122/8678747916_d03fa3c072.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Then there was this guy, lurking in front of one of the tombs.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8677642947/" title="Necropolis of the Banditaccia by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Necropolis of the Banditaccia" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8677642947_26a5281a43.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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And again! in front of one of the large, multi-chambered tombs that was closed.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8678748942/" title="Necropolis of the Banditaccia by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Necropolis of the Banditaccia" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8264/8678748942_4760746e93.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Sometimes you just never know what you're going to run into in a burial ground.</div>
Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-76073833298804176772013-05-07T10:39:00.001-07:002013-05-07T10:40:17.071-07:00Textbook WeekendThis was a textbook weekend in that I was too busy having fun to catch up on any of the work I should have been catching up on. I hope there are a lot more like it this summer.<br />
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On Friday night I went, last minute, to a Yankees game. 'We' lost, but ah well. I had cheese fries and a corndog, so I, personally, won.<br />
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I inadvertently took the same photo, day and night.<br />
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<span id="taw" style="margin-right: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8714924657/" title="Yankees Game by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Yankees Game" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/8714924657_4a8a762fa5.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span id="taw" style="margin-right: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8716044254/" title="Yankees Game by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Yankees Game" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/8716044254_4f2b020a7f.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span id="taw" style="margin-right: 0pt;">After the game, a coworker, Ryan, and I headed toward Pennsylvania for VeloFest, the bike swap on the infield of the </span><a href="http://www.thevelodrome.com/" target="_blank">Valley Preferred Cycling Center</a> track, aka T-Town. We stayed the night with a couple of his friends before heading out for the swap early Saturday morning.<br />
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Here's a late-in-the-day, badly done panoramic photo of VeloFest. About a third of the booths were gone by this point. But hey, I was too busy selling old bike junk to get out and take photos.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8714923679/" title="T-Town Swap by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="T-Town Swap" height="160" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/8714923679_8c2c8c83f8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Here was our table, which yielded a surprising amount of cash for us. We got rid of a lot! That's Ryan on the left, and his friend Keenan on the right.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8714923375/" title="T-Town Swap by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="T-Town Swap" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7386/8714923375_6df07380d6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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A little after 2:00, we loaded up the car with what was left of our bike gear and hit the road, listening to a book on CD that Ryan found on the free table at work - the young adult book about dragons and magic and such, <i>Eragon</i>. Ryan had brought it along as a joke, but I don't joke around when it comes to audio books.<br />
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I got home later than planned and wound up hastily figuring out the logistics of a trip into Brooklyn the next day. I planned to take the train down to New York, then take the metro/bike around the city. Just before leaving in the morning, I realized I had left my cycling shoes at work and didn't have time to get them - I would have to wear tennis shoes while pedaling my bike with Candy pedals on it. (In the end, it wasn't as bad as I had imagined.) I had planned ahead and brought sunscreen, which was something I had forgotten the day before.<br />
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This was new 'natural' sunscreen that I had just bought... after smearing it all over my face, I figured out that 'natural' meant terrible, terrible chalky zinc sunscreen that makes you look like a ghost. Or not even quite - there was a just a hint of it that made me look vaguely sick. It was terrible.<br />
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Neverless, I managed to have fun. I happened upon the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, which is a huge event in the city. Security was high after the Boston bombings. I rode with the ride over a bridge, car free, with the group. It was quite the sight. After I got into Brooklyn, I met my friend Tyler and we hit up the Brooklyn Flea Market. It got pretty busy as the morning wore on.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8714929511/" title="Brooklyn 05-05-13 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Brooklyn 05-05-13" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/8714929511_f1da1be88d.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
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We happened across some kind of outdoor food fest in the Brooklyn Bridge Park, and I couldn't resist having a ride on Jane's Carousel.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8714929177/" title="Brooklyn 05-05-13 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Brooklyn 05-05-13" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/8714929177_d60e21f410.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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It's been a long time! I did my best to pick out the prettiest carousel horse, but as I was about to hop up on one, a woman and her young son appeared on the other side of it. She asked if she could have it, and I asked if her son had his heart set on it. After all, I had carefully deliberated this and they had seemed to just appear all willy-nilly on the other side of my pick. But she said that yes, her son (who looked suspiciously ambivalent) would have no other horse. After briefly thinking about shouting 'NO!' and getting on anyway, I conceded and got on the second-prettiest horse.<br />
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You had better be enjoying that horse, kid.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8714928483/" title="Brooklyn 05-05-13 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Brooklyn 05-05-13" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/8714928483_a00b2c1cba.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
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It is a beautiful carousel, though, with quite the view. It was flooded during Hurricane Sandy, but it looked pristine. I couldn't see any sign of it. <br />
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I didn't get a pic of my pick, but here's Tyler enjoying his ride.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8716048222/" title="Brooklyn 05-05-13 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Brooklyn 05-05-13" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/8716048222_23ee99b40c.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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After that we had a late brunch complete with margaritas - it was Cinco de Mayo, after all - and met a couple of Tyler's friends for some biking around Prospect Park.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8716047650/" title="Brooklyn 05-05-13 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Brooklyn 05-05-13" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/8716047650_7b8c37e8cf.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I was all set for New York with my fixie, which I just got back over Christmas. (I sold it to a friend when I left Milwaukee, then bought it back this year.) Cruelly, after getting sunburned and roasting in jeans the day before, this little number left me chillier than I had planned, due to a drop in temperature and a cold wind off of the water.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8716047206/" title="Brooklyn 05-05-13 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Brooklyn 05-05-13" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/8716047206_5e058caa5e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I thought this was pretty good - a pigeon sitting on an eagle above a ram's head (hard to see) above an axe.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8716046732/" title="Brooklyn 05-05-13 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Brooklyn 05-05-13" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/8716046732_4215b7ec9c.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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This fountain wasn't going yet, but I'd imagine it will be soon.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8716045848/" title="Brooklyn 05-05-13 by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Brooklyn 05-05-13" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/8716045848_bc4c6fe44c.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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Well, that's about it. After a very full weekend, I caught the train home to Danbury and tucked myself in just before midnight. A weekend well spent.Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-76836852617710354482013-05-02T19:09:00.001-07:002013-05-02T19:15:59.924-07:00TarquiniaOn my last day in Italy, a Monday, we decided we would drive to Rome, park at the airport and take the metro into the city center for the day, then take the metro back to catch my plane in the evening. However, the metro cost something like 11 Euros each, it would take an hour each way, there was a parking fee, etc etc etc...<br />
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We were set on it anyway, because hey, it's Rome, but on the drive down there I spotted something from the road. It was a blustery day with dramatic clouds, and there across the saturated green fields was Tarquinia perched on top of a hill. It was just as movie-cheesy as that description. We threw out the plans for Rome and took the next exit.<br />
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This was the gate to the city center. The city was established in 9 B.C.!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8700898900/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8535/8700898900_d4c0cefb57.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8700896972/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8559/8700896972_d0407eb76e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Inside were such sights as:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8700855998/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8271/8700855998_441d34bebf.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8699751067/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8558/8699751067_76256a4c1a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8699749371/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8413/8699749371_63927f4efd.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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This arch was huge - check out the scale of it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8699755477/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8415/8699755477_f5972a05e1.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8700849928/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8121/8700849928_8697a3b46f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8700859490/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8407/8700859490_25881774da.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8700890102/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8414/8700890102_07b0b6ee2b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8700892092/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8417/8700892092_72d3bf7665.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8700845194/" title="Tarquinia, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Tarquinia, Italy" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8418/8700845194_9e6b24fc7a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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It was yet another amazing place.Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631421245474647175.post-42565158442986813412013-05-02T18:04:00.002-07:002013-05-02T18:10:43.596-07:00MontemassiCan I just say that I'm really enjoying blogging about this vacation after the fact? It's allowing me relive the whole thing and keep one foot in the past in Tuscany. Nice.<br />
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One of the several medieval villages we visited was Montemassi. Here's what it looked like from the road in the valley below:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8703661414/" title="Montemassi, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Montemassi, Italy" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8534/8703661414_c9678c9764.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Most of the villages looked like this. You could see them sitting atop hills. When you were up on the hill, you could see other such villages dotting the landscape as far as the eye could see - well, up until the sparkling coast, of course. Rough life.<br />
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So anyway, we drove up into Montemassi to look at <a href="http://www.castellitoscani.com/montemassi.htm" target="_blank">the castle</a> there. It's in ruins, but work has been done to stabilize it, and there's a nice path up to it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8680444583/" title="Montemassi, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Montemassi, Italy" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8536/8680444583_c80067f89c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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From one side of the castle to the other.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8681553814/" title="Montemassi, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Montemassi, Italy" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8254/8681553814_e032cba828.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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And vice versa.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8681553488/" title="Montemassi, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Montemassi, Italy" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8125/8681553488_a5e813702e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The surrounding countryside. I mean, come on Tuscany. Could you get any more... Tuscan?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8681554310/" title="Montemassi, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Montemassi, Italy" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8259/8681554310_3a675034b8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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And again:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8680443559/" title="Montemassi, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Montemassi, Italy" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8106/8680443559_a2f8253f14.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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Here's a look down on the town.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8680443881/" title="Montemassi, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Montemassi, Italy" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8680443881_f68e7ce2b3.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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This kind of ceiling seemed to be pretty common.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaks/8680443529/" title="Montemassi, Italy by k.steudel, on Flickr"><img alt="Montemassi, Italy" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8403/8680443529_a30f23abed.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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It's hard to say what part of this vacation was my favorite part, because they all seem to be my favorite, but kicking around these villages and castles and churches was really great. In general, I loved being out in the countryside instead of in the cities. In the countryside the restaurants and stores (what few you can find) are different, and it's a much different lifestyle than the same 'ol in the US. It feels foreign :)Snackshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00553998145896630976noreply@blogger.com0