Today I busted out the new snow tires and rode to work. I bought the Scwhalbe Marathon Winter Studded tires for $140. it was so expensive but I definitely think they're worth it.

It snowed overnight so the roads were super sloppy and slippery on the way to work this morning. I barely felt any slip on the road while cars were having trouble keeping traction. The rolling resistance was a lot higher but these are also puncture resistant, compared to my super thin Bontragers. Unfortunately a lot of paths weren't plowed especially along the lake and from Route 5 to work. With any kind of loose snow I lost most of the grip although the bike never slid out. I either had to take the lane or carry my bike over snow drifts.

The whole ride took about an hour each way, when my typical route is a mile and a half shorter and takes about 35 minutes. I think I can probably shave 10 or 15 minutes off when the roads are less snowy and more icy, but we'll have to see.


Beastly new tungsten carbide studs

My Bontragers are looking pretty worn :(

Ready to leave from work

Union Ship Canal

Unplowed bridge over the canal - I had to carry my bike over the snow here

(e:paul) and I got around to moving Basra up from the basement. He's been so miserable, freezing/hibernating and all neglected down there that we moved him up to the brown room. We started to clean up his carpet and the basement before discovering that the tarp underneath started to mold from the floor's dampness. So gross. Then we set out to search for a new tarp - but Home Depot was closed. We had to drive all the way to Sheridan Drive for Walmart. While we were there we stopped at the Super Bazaar (see (e:Paul,58458)).

After we got back, we set up the new tortoise sanctuary in the brown room. It was so much warmer that he came alive right away. He should, because according to the Killawatt it takes almost $65 a month of electricity to heat him. Other downside, there may be an impending scooter infestation.

Last night was the Squeaky Wheel holiday party at the Foundry. (e:paul), (e:terry), (e:xandra), erica, (e:Heidi) and (e:Dianne) and I all headed over while Terry had to work the party since he was a board member (the other board members were raving about him which was awesome). It was crazy fun, but probably not half as crazy as Paul was. I accidently made Erica and Paul walk over in the freezing cold.

The event itself was amazing. (e:holly) and Brian had the best/possibly offensive nativity scene, with a goat. there were amazing cookies and tons of beer. (e:paul) won a ridiculous and strange assortment of gifts, and I won a basket to Cowork Buffalo and Sweetness 7. We ran into Mickey, Pierce and a bunch of other people and started an impromptu rooftop party. So glad Alex did not fall through.

Paul was so out of control that we ended up walking home.

















These knit creatures were so cute




Bathroom selfies


Top of the world



What just happened?


Broing out



The loot


Baby Jesus Paul

This cat is so sassy. He meows right back to you when you talk to him. He has to be so freezing living outside, I feel worse for him than Basra.

Overheard later, a classy fight about money. I didn't mean to eavesdrop but I had to record part. I was probably a house away and outside, they were ridiculously loud.

I hope this is the last time I'm ever here.

::DOWNLOAD SOUND::

Friday night, after wanting to break the Arduino Uno in half, I met up with Emily, Catherine and cahterines roommate at Founding Fathers. I think I ate three things of nachos including one to go. So gross but so good.