New York is a place in the United States that reminds me the most of Japan because of the efficient mass transportation in Manhattan and the surrounding areas. We had a fun time exploring all the food that was available as not all the stores had recovered from being closed due to the pandemic. A lot has changed since my last visit to the big apple. I feel like people have changed in the big city. I don't feel the roughness that used to be emphasized in NY. It's almost as if the people in the city are more welcoming to outsiders. Maybe it's just me. I talked to locals in the restaurants and on the street. The weather was perfect and I couldn't ask for better company.

It's been exactly one year since my last post on this blog. I wanted to share my outstanding dinner last week for our Mother's Day celebration. Even through the decline in the economy it's good to know that some restaurants still uphold great standards in service and food quality. Hours of operation of Oola, the restaurant I am giving praises to, facilitate a late dining find as we had our dinner at 10:30 in the evening with reservations fulfilled from Opentable.com. A great dinner of Washington and California oysters, a gourmet burger, foie gras, parmesan cheese fries, and ribs.

Why should the pros have all the fun? I recently updated my trusty 5200 with some aero-wheels. The wheels look great on the bike and they feel good up above 18 miles per hour. Below that speed, the wheels just feel like regular old wheels. I plan on climbing Old La Honda road this weekend with these wheels on my bike. Will take some pictures at the top near Skyline.

I just decided to throw some cycling shoes on and ride out on my fixed gear with Gabe in tow. Unlike the rest of the crowd in spandex, I had jeans and a t-shirt along with my helmet. It was good to just go out and ride on a weekend. I haven't done that since focusing on my two accounting classes and the whole school thing. I miss riding on the weekends. But more importantly, I realized how my son now will wear his helmet throughout the entire ride (if I ask him beforehand to put it on and keep it on)!

My Langster with the trailer today on Canada road. Pulling a trailer with a fixed gear wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, even with the different gearing.

Please lower your volume before you start the video. I haven't shot a weapon in about 4 years. I got to shoot 27 rounds off 3 magazines. This video is of the second magazine.

Base running with Gabe on my back. What a great day at the Coliseum. The A's lost that day but it was a close game and we had fun. Notice how the grown-up is the one having all the fun running the 270 feet from first base to home plate, yahoo!