Since he wasn't around to do the photography, I apologize that this is an almost photo-free blog posting. I was just too hot and sweaty while riding around to want to prolong my journey even more by taking photos.
My first stop was to drop off cookies for a couple of friends down south. Baking in such a humid environment is an adventure in and of itself, not to mention wrapping plates in bubble wrap and transporting them in a bike basket on a hot, sunny, and humid day. I honestly didn't expect it to be quite this warm on Christmas week, especially considering it was quite a bit cooler many days in October and November. This week it's been 80 degrees by 8 am every morning. Oh well, it's the thought that counts, right? Fortunately, everyone was at home and this little Christmas elf was able to make her deliveries.
Next I stopped at Maria's for some vegetables to make some chicken soup for the sickie back at home. I also left a plate of cookies for Maria, since she was in town at the time. She's been so good to us since we moved here I wanted to say thank you, though I never could thank her enough for her kindness and generosity.
On the way through town I stopped in Central Park for some water, and snapped a photo of the new town clock. Much has been written about this ill-conceived and poorly placed architectural mistake elsewhere, so I will refrain from saying more, other than that the addition of the electronic billboards really takes the cake. Tacky, tacky, tacky. I didn't realize we were in Vegas, baby....
Finally, after an unplanned stop at Casa pan Dulce for a loaf of sinful garlic bread to accompany the chicken soup (I'll get you for this, Ruthie!), my time in town was complete. I arrived home dripping sweat and ready for a rendezvous with the pool, which had rarely felt better.
The chicken soup is now well underway and is smelling really good. I put a hot pepper in to help with Barry's congestion, so hopefully he will be feeling much better by Christmas Day. He was also sick last Christmas, where it actually snowed in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, so at least we are guaranteed a much warmer holiday this time around.