This is a normal internet-BOB (a bicycle mailing list) way of finishing out the year. I sort of missed it this year (spent too much time on the basement to read the list), so I'll try doing it with the blog. There is bike and not bike stuff here to make all blog readers happy.
Le Creuset Omelette Pan -- Le Creuset makes this item really difficult to buy, but it is amazing. I think that it is impossible to make a bad omelette with it. The non-stick coating is not teflon and works really well. The cast iron retains heat really well, so the pan doesn't cool down when you add food to it. We have one of their frying pans too, and it gets some use, but the omelette pan is used almost every day. We've owned other omelette pans, but none were as good as this. We have the smaller size (7 or 8") and it is perfect for 2 egg omelettes.
I've tried to buy these as gifts and they are really hard to find. They are sometimes in Le Creuset "outlet" stores. Amazon and most kitchen stores don't carry them.
One Car Family -- Christine and I were a one car, one driver family from moving to Seattle in 1996 until 2002. Then we bought a new car, I got a driver's license, and we bought a second new car. We sold our second car in April and don't miss it at all. Cars are expensive. They can be handy tools, but we don't need or benefit from two of them.
Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker -- We rarely use it for rice, but it is amazing for steel cut oats. One of my favorite foods, but I never liked standing around for 45 minutes stiring it. The rice cooker makes it better than I do. The timer means we can have oatmeal ready when we wake up. I'm not a big kitchen gadget/appliance guy, but this one is great.
Virtual Computers -- I replaced 3 servers with one physical machine. The new machine has about 30% of the power consumption of the previous 3 machines, is quieter, and takes up less space. This blog is hosted on a virtual computer.
Smaller Plates -- For years I've wondered why normal dinner plates hold more than one should eat. I doubt they've always been this big. I spent a while trying to find smaller ones and finally did. Denby salad plates are the right size (9", instead of 10 or 11") for a normal sized meal. Their stonewear is really durable too, we've had their dishes for a year and have chipped anything despite a few drops. They do make full size plates which we use on special occasions.
Eating Fish -- I've been lacto-ovo vegetarian since my junior year of high school. In 2006 I started eating fish to get more food in common with Christine. My first experiences with fish weren't great, I didn't get the subtle flavor and didn't like the texture. This year I've come to really appreciate the flavor, enjoy cooking it, and the lean protein is probably good for me. I am careful with the sources of my fish and worry about sustainability.
New Clubs -- I've been riding with point83 and playing Rollo (mini bike polo) this year. It's fun riding with a younger and less serious crowd. I'd like to find a group that did some more weekend rides but with a similar mentality.
Metal Fabricating -- It was only last January when I first lit a torch. In March I bought my own. Since then I've built about 5 racks and have learned a lot more. This year I hope to do even more. Fabricating my own bike parts and modifications is really enjoyable and a nice way to grow the hobby. This week I got a lathe which will take me to the next step of fabrication.
Porteur Racks -- Building racks has given me the chance to really get used to big front platform racks. I really like carrying gear up front and have plans to build racks for all of my bikes. The porteur rack does most of what I used a trailer for and most of what I used panniers for. It's always there too. I wish that there were some good production models.
Bicycle Fixation's Knickers -- In 2006 I discovered the Ibex Breakaway Jacket. A great jacket, but I needed something great for my legs. The Bicycle Fixation knickers do the job. I have them in hemp and wool. I like both, but I like the hemp ones better (unless it is raining hard, then the wool ones are warmer). The knickers are comfortable on and off the bike, lightweight, look pretty good (for bike clothing...pants would be even better) and work well in a wide range of temps. Below around 40F I put very light tights underneath. 40F to 65F they are perfect by themselves.
Flat Pedals (no retention) -- about 10 years I've ridden everywhere with clipless pedals. Since I ride pretty much every day and don't like to change shoes I end up wearing my bike shoes all day. I didn't even really think that there was another option. When I went to the Oregon BCA show I didn't want to take two pairs of shoes and knew that I'd be on my feet almost all day. Flat pedals with good walking shoes made a lot of sense. So I picked up a pair of the MKS Sneaker pedals and put them on my commuter. A week later I didn't really miss the clipless pedals much. Now I have one bike permanently setup with flat pedals and might do another.
Bike Friday Tikit -- It folds small, it rides well, it is reasonably priced for a US made product. I converted it to a 7sp internal gear hub (which is how they should sell it stock) and it's a great bike. It's my city rider, my folder, and my travel bike. I've owned a Bike Friday New World Tourist for years and hardly used it, but the Tikit is getting a lot of miles.
Gifford Pinchot Tour -- Bicycle Touring isn't new for me, but this tour was incredible. 6 months later I still think about it often. This was the best 5 days that I've spent on a bicycle.