Going back, In the darkness, 3 weeks

Yesterday I made arrangements to head out to southern California for the Christmas season for the third year in a row. My good buddy Larry is once again throwing his holiday party and graciously invited me. His party is always right around the same time as my birthday so it adds to the festiveness, I guess. I’ll be leaving in less than a month which means it will be here before I blink an eye. With the rather gloomy forecast I was having for the 2024 holiday season this will be a nice way add some blue skies and sunshine to the outlook. Unlike the trip last year which was an epic cluster f in pretty much every way possible thanks to my ex, I am looking forward to nothing but good memories this time around.

Last night I went out for a brief ride to test out the E20 at night, primarily how the visibility was on the wheel but also how the wheel looks at night. Both things were positive. The light is more than sufficient and the side LEDs look cool in the darkness. I shot and edited the entire thing on my phone, something I am getting more adept at.

While I riding I took notice of a handful of homes nearby that are already fully decked out in Christmas lights. I was a bit surprised to see this prior to us even hitting the halfway mark in November. In a way I am a bit envious of these households that are bursting at the seams with holiday spirit and anticipation. That used to be me.

I am going into my third week of IT band related pain in my right leg. I have been playing pickleball through it but I have not played volleyball as it just would be pointless as it would likely make things worse. I have had bouts with this before and it normally will subside over time with reduced strain combined with some painful foam rolling and stretching. I’ll just keep chopping away at it, like I always do.