I think I got to a slightly better strength level today.
Friday we did a nice 20 miler with varied hills. Sat we rested (busy). Sunday I did a 13 mile ride with a girlfriend. Monday DH and I did a 18 mile MULTIPLE KILLER HILL route which really did me in bigtime, though I made it by walking half of those awful hills. (see Oct 2 rides).
After that ride, I devoured a HUGE plate of carbs and protein, l-o-n-g hot shower, then crashed in to bed at 9pm, exhausted, and I slept for TEN solid hours like a log. (!!) I must have been building muscles in my sleep, because...

This morning I got up feeling great and went out for a lovely morning ride I do often when I want just a short ride- 11 miles of country roads with a few moderate hills. (DH calls the route "Sweetie's Favorite")
Anyway, I have to say that something had changed- the ride felt suddenly really easy, I felt stronger, and I didn't have to go into my lowest gear on some of the hills where I always have had to do that before. So COOL! That's a real measurable difference that can't be attributed to imagination. My reward for toughing out that KILLER HILL ride I guess, even despite all the walking I did up the hills.
I'm so happy!!