Maiden Voyage

I'm up early this morning to try a quick Peloton introduction ride (before my early hair appointment).  It all hinges on IF I can get the shoes clipped in -- I'm not going to go crazy though.  If I need more practice, I'll wait.  I'm excited to try an easy ride and see what's what -- it's super quick and easy so you can feel out the bike.  I didn't try it yesterday because my back was tired.  (BTW, customer service is the bomb -- well done, Peloton.)  Riding is burning a hole ...

Speaking of burning a hole ... I made the carrot soup from the second recipe and put crispy chickpeas on top ... so much for waiting until Sunday.  Yum!  Carrot soup needs to have enough flavor that it doesn't taste like baby food so I used the curry option and upped some of the spices.  It's delicious.  I served it in my new bowls -- I only use white dishes so this is a big change.  I got a set of 4 because I needed something bigger for veggie bowls and salads.  My bowls are too small.  I've been using mixing bowls, but that's not pretty.  These are just for me to use when I make a big plate.  The lighting is a bit dark -- the soup is bright, beautiful orange.  The bowls are a little brighter too -- and are like plates with an edge.  Looks different in the picture.  (Sorry for the bad picture.)

I started a new book.  It's a recommendation from the Pop-Cast (Jaime Golden) and it's a super unusual story line.  Google if you're interested since I won't do it justice -- fantasy about selling your soul to the devil and the price Addie must pay over eternity.  

Flu shot today too.  I hear it's a sore arm for a few days.  This was actually the first year I debated NOT getting one since I'm still so strictly following the precautions.  But ... it's the right thing to do and just in case.  So today is the day.

I started buying stocking stuffers for the family.  I think the kids will be away for Christmas and hubby is buying a watch, so I'm not doing big gifts this year.  Money for the kids.  Stocking stuffers all around.  I think I might do the tradition of a new book and chocolate for Christmas Eve for me, my youngest and hubby.  Something new for a year of everything new.  I'll do a post about some of the stocking goodies -- you know I got influenced (!!)

I'm also going to see if the family would be up for a change in the Christmas meal too.  I've never won this idea LOL, but I try every year.  Move Christmas Eve meal to Christmas day and do a huge sushi platter for Christmas Eve -- that sounds so fun to me.  Play music, relax, read our new books and eat chocolate.  Fingers crossed I can sell it :)

I've been thinking about out-of-the-box for things to do in November.  Our anniversary and the youngest turns 24.  Horseback riding.  I've done this a few times.  Scared every time, but it sounds like an adventure.  So far, only my DIL responded to my group text and it was a maybe because she's scared too.  I'll chat it up with the group this weekend.  Maybe just me a hubby for our anniversary.

Looking for a happy day today, flu shot and all.  Hope we all have a good one.  Stay well.  Later gators.