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Al and Claire graciously invited Joanne, a friend and myself to their family holiday gathering of the clan. The headcount was mid thirties, and division of labor had been applied to the food situation. Claire had jokingly assigned me "bacon surprise". Be careful what you wish for Hence last nights cooking marathon And a production line this morning. But the resulting chocolate covered bacon, candied bacon and bacon wrapped goats cheese stuffed dates were well received. I think I may corrupted some vegetarians on the way. Thanks Al and Claire for a great time, hope you managed to find time out from your hosting duties to enjoy the evening and the great company (and the Bacon )

Grahame's Bacon Surprise was over the top and a huge hit. My favorite was the candied bacon -- or as my meat deprived 13 niece called it Honey Bacon -- but all three were great. Joanne was a trooper for allowing the massive bacon manufacturing effort and remarked that she helped with date and cheese variety because it was the only proper appetizer. A true Brit. Here is the one shot of the Traeger in action right before removing the turkey and the larger of two boneless legs of lamb. The lamb was especially tasty, but the Traeger rarely disappoints and both came out nicely.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! I feel so fortunate to have my family with me, they are my life. And so fortunate to have you, my HC family, in my life. You have given me so much growth in my life!

That's a good idea, aerius. I have a workout scheduled at 5:30 three miles from my house. I could easily ride there and back. Oh....almost forgot. I'm getting the Calfee fitted tomorrow after work. So many good things happening all at once! Can't tell you how happy I feel right now. Nice toys, Nate. I got a $25 gift certificate to a local bike shop from my secret santa at work. Hoping they have the one gloves I actually like. If not, I'll pick up some gels in anticipation of longer rides coming soon.

Just did 20 miles! They were 20 slow miles, and by slow I mean it took me 1:40:42. Still, I'm thrilled. The ankle was fine, though it's stiffened up on me since getting home (not painful, just locked, which is wonderful as far as I'm concerned), the calf was fine, but what's funny is that my hamstring near my knee was the thing that was not liking me. I'd forgotten that I hadn't been using that muscle either. Oh well. I was in a very easy gear, and just spun. The thing that was most shocking is how quickly my conditioning went out the window. Just two months ago, my heart rate would have been somewhere between 100 and 120 for what I was exerting today. It was in the 140s most of the ride. Damn. Anyway, I'm back, bitches (as I think the kids are saying these days). Too bad I have to work tomorrow. The weather is perfect for nice, lazy, spins around town.

Smart CJ 1 - 0 stupid CJ. A Christmas miracle Why the fuck do I have to go out right now