It's too early to tell, but I feel like the thermal drapes are making a difference in the family room. My problem with that area is the thermostat is kind of in the middle of the house and we spend a lot of time by the windows. Sure, they are dual-paned, but they can still be a little chilly and drafty. I mean, if you touch the wall, it is COLD.

So though the thermostat may say 68 it would feel 65 where I spend most of my time (by the large windows).

So my hope with the thermal drapes was to eliminate that chill so we can lower the thermostat a bit this year. Or so I would stop turning it up to 70. & believe me, I would be bundled up to the nth degree before I would turn up the heat.

Mostly, I am a cold whimp.

But, it's chilled rather considerably, it's 70 in the house this morning, and it feels rather warm to me.

Probably too early to tell. I guess I'll see how I feel in December. But so far, I am pleased.

I would really like to get Thermal drapes for the kids' rooms - their beds are under the windows. I think it would just be more comfortable for them. Maybe this year - maybe will save for next year.

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Went on a nice bike ride with BM yesterday.

I am in HEAVEN! Didn't realize it would be so fun.

I also realized I am VERY particular about my bike and will probably go new and rather high-end in the end. Will start saving my pennies. Which is fine because there is like nothing else I want. It's nice to have something I want, for a change.

Anyway, my dad is an avid bike rider and in San Jose I could ride from my parent's house to the top of a hill nearby and just fly down that thing and coast all the way home. What a RUSH. IT was not an easy hill by any means, but the combination of work and reward was amazing. I'd equate it to surfing. It is just that fun. & a much easier/cheaper hobby. But it was totally the same rush (having done both).

But when we moved to Sacramento I just saw a lot of flat lands and largely gave up on the biking. Sure I could drive half hour to some decent rides, and for the long run that may be what I have to do. But I didn't know anyone hear to ride with, and we quickly got side tracked with babies and all that stuff.

But as I rode the cheap crappy bike I got off CL yesterday I told dh that it was worth it. It was worth the $20 to have that thing to ride with BM, even if for one weekend. We had so much fun. I realized maybe the flat lands weren't so bad, I still had love for bike riding.

Anyway, my old bike was top of the line and had a VERY cushy seat and fancy handle bars. These handle bars were driving me nuts. I was used to the 2 levels so you can grip however you want, and change position from time to time.

So I am starting my list of what I want in a bike. I'll keep my eye on CL for something I want, but am thinking I will probably go new.

Of course, if I go new bike and think of the kinds of rides I want to do, no one else in my family will be able to keep up, so I am considering looking into some bike clubs around here.

& I am excited!!!

Since having kids I guess I am slowly adding leisure back to my life, and that is nice. Last year I started working out more regularly, joining the gym and going to aerobics. Those are really my hobbies and I have LOVED to have more *me* time in that regard - stuff that is good for me as well.

But I find I am continually gaining more leisure, so yeah, bike riding is one place I want to direct that time and energy too. It's a double positive because it is a healthy endeavor as well.

& the kids can totally join in, in the long run. In the meantime I can explore the city a bit. There is certainly no lack of bike paths here, for sure.

On the flip side, I don't think I will be using my bike much for errands and such. We are kind of isolated on one side of the freeway and though it would be nice to utilize a bike for errands, they freeway overpass is not safe in the least. For the long run they may put in lights and bike lanes, and it may improve. But for now I would venture that way to civilization.

The good is I think we can find a path to downtown, on our side of the freeway, and I am stoked about that. We have a lot of exploring to do.

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Oh yes, the Sacramento Symphony put on a family concert yesterday. Kids were free and I was $10. (We also went to a free concert for another local symphony a few weeks ago which was just awesome).

I called it. LM was in HEAVEN. BM I was not going to take but since it was downtown and dh's compact car has a slow leak in a tire, he dropped us off (far cheaper than parking and all that). & when we got there BM jumped out and said he wanted to go after all. Since he was free, whatever. Anyway, he was completely bored and LM (who is only 3) LOVED it. He just has music in his soul.

They did a great job though. Can't wait for the next concert in the spring!

& heck, when was the last time I could see the symphony for $10?