Obsessions, everyone has a few. They may be mild or they may be extreme. Mine fall somewhere in the middle. I call them “my crazies”. People may say they don’t have obsessions, but I don’t believe it. Even Superman has Lois Lane. If you must have crazies, pick something you enjoy.
My current crazy is easy to recognize. Visit any of my social media accounts where threads of running related anecdotes litter the posts. Most days between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM, I’m dressed in spandex and Asics running shoes ready to exercise.
My number one addiction is running. I find it social, meditative and energizing. It can be a much-needed tension reliever and in my group, filled with laughter. We have christened ourselves, the fun group.
As a young naïve employee, I smirked watching my 50+ co-workers lace their Keds ready to spend the lunch break in a brisk walk. I lounged inside, enjoying the air conditioning. If I walked, I never wore tennis shoes and a dress!
Well, how silly was that? Who cares what I wear during a lunch walk? If they do, that’s their problem not mine. My mature self knows better. Most days I eat, then slip a favorite pair of athletic shoes on anxious feet, anticipating spending half an hour in the fresh air and sunshine.
My younger clueless self missed much enjoyment, choosing safety behind the glass while she could have meandered through the tree lined paths on the other side of the pane.
This current obsession has enjoyed a longer life span than former ones. With 18 marathons, over 20 half marathons and countless 5 and 10 K runs completed, I hope this one doesn’t end. And there I go again, letting crazy spill out.
If I run 100 marathons when I’m eighty, that’s my crazy. Well not that I’m 80 but I will be someday. I resolve to be diverse in choosing topics to tweet, post or blog, but for today, here is one more on my current obsession.
The Bastrop State Park is a quick 20-minute drive from my home. I love to visit the park, picnicking, cooking on the grill or hiking and running the trails. My memories are peppered with hours spent in the park.
In September 2011 a roaring fire swept through Bastrop County in Central Texas. The fiery inferno didn’t spare the state park. The resulting devastation affected ninety-six percent of the park as firefighters struggled to extinguish the blaze. Ultimately, it charred 32,000 acres.
The recovery has been amazing and the many volunteers who work tirelessly to revitalize it are inspiring.
Last Sunday, we arrived at the park for our first visit of the new year. As I tightened my laces, my spirit stirred. The sandy trail, flowed beneath my sneakers, grabbing for traction, keeping me sure-footed as I navigated the rocky trail.
The rustle of the dry leaves falling from the trees whispered, reminiscent of a Texas rattlesnake.
Fallen trees lay tangled, a jigsaw of trunks etched on the ground by spring flooding. We passed a young hiker garbed in a pink dress and knee high cowboy boots. She grasped her father’s hand wide eyed as her brother warned us “to watch out for those ants up ahead”. He punctuated his words with his walking stick, the stick twice his size.
Regal pine trees crooned a melody, their branches, the wind’s violin. Small white flowers sprinkled across our path an embryo that would soon be plump juicy berries, ripe and tart.
Trudging up slopes I flew down the other side, shedding inhibitions. I felt free to stumble, laugh, fall and get back up to do it again. Leaping mud puddles in a single bound, I conquered makeshift bridges and eluded poisonous tendrils of vines alongside the trail.
Fire damage and destruction faded. Sparks of green climbed over and under fallen and damaged trees.
Seven miles of fun later, wonderfully spent but also energized, I sat. Warmed by the sun, I enjoyed the song of a bird, the notes carried on the breeze. Marveling at the unexpected joy of a soul unburdened, my soul and body were restored. What a precious gift!
Everyone is guilty of saying I will never… I’ve begun many sentences with it myself.
A few of my favorites are:
“I will never wear tennis shoes with a dress just to get in a walk during my work day.” This one I do often!
“I will never be one of those parents/grandparents who…, well lots of things.” There are too many of these to list.
And, “I will never run 13.1 miles!” This timeI don’t mind being proven wrong.
In 2001, my husband signed up for and trained for the 3M half marathon. I thought he was crazy to even consider it, but I knew he would finish it once he’d committed.
He trained for several months and never missed a scheduled run. We lived in the Texas panhandle and rain, sleet or snow never kept him from completing a training run. He is much more disciplined than me. When we met, I was a runner, and he a cyclist. I jogged occasional laps on the track and around the neighborhood; he rode for 60 miles on the weekend. I learned to ride but rode only once or twice a year. He fell in love with running.
So before sunrise early February 4, 2001, I dropped my husband at the start line. I ate breakfast and headed downtown to watch him finish. Runners crossed the finish line celebrating their victories. I turned to my friend and vowed, “I could never run 13 miles and why would anyone want to run that far?”
Fifteen years later, having completed 15 half marathons and 17 full marathons, I stood in the predawn chill ready to run the 3M half marathon. As I waited along with 5400+ runners, I shivered in the cool morning breeze and remembered that declaration. I could never have envisioned myself running more than 2-3 miles at a time back then.
Almost awake!
On this day, I was running with my good friend, Shirley and our goal was simply to finish. Shirley has lost over one hundred pounds and is determined to keep it off. She ran her first half marathon in San Antonio in December 2015 and as we crossed the finish line, she asked, “When’s the next one?” So here we are lining up to make the trek from North Austin to the State Capitol downtown. Shirley trained for the run using the run/walk method. In San Antonio, we ran one minute and walked one minute throughout the course. Our plan today was to do the same.
When we crossed the start line, we were both running strong. As the alarm sounded for our walk break, Shirley said, “I’m feeling good. I want to keep going.” So we kept going. Eleven minutes later I looked up and saw the first mile sign. Pointing to the sign I asked, “Have you ever run a mile without a break?”
When she answered no, I replied, “Well now you have!” Both our eyes were glistening when we passed the one-mile mark.
At mile 7, we waited in line for a “porta potty”. That stop cost us 10 minutes but sometimes you have to listen to mother nature!
As we ran through the University of Texas I was in front of Shirley. Suddenly, I heard a group of runners singing. Shirley was talking to a nearby runner and mentioned it was her birthday the next day. A spontaneous rendition of Happy Birthday rang out as we passed by the UT stadium.
We completed the course and shaved 10 minutes off our San Antonio time. Even with the delay of our bathroom break we were faster. Amazing!
First thing Monday morning Shirley was standing at my desk with a handful of ½ marathon flyers, asking “Which one is next?”
So while we decide on the next one, we’ve already signed up for 3M 2017!
Last Friday, Ron and I headed to the Austin-Bergstrom international airport en route to our destination Atlanta, Ga. I was nervous and excited. If all went according to plan, I could cross two things off my life list. My life list is like a bucket list, but a lot more fluid. I add, change and delete from the list regularly. I planned to run a marathon in Alabama on Saturday. This would be my 17th state to complete a marathon. I also intended to run a half marathon in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday.
There are many people who run back to back marathons and routinely compete on consecutive days. But not me! This would be my first “double weekend”. I considered running the marathon course for both Saturday and Sunday but soon changed my mind. Ron enthusiastically signed up for a marathon on both days.
We booked our flights on a budget airline, so we had to get creative with our packing. Running clothes and shoes for both races had to go in our carryon luggage for safekeeping. The airline charged for carryon luggage but allowed a personal item at no charge. I conscientiously stuffed running shoes, tights, and shirts in my backpack along with my kindle, purse and snacks. Although, I secretly believed if our running clothes got misplaced, it would be a sign. No running shoes or clothes? It just wasn’t meant to be.
In spite of long security lines, we made it to our gate with time to spare. Once on board, I looked forward to napping, but I discovered the seats didn’t recline. No nap for me! I couldn’t get comfortable enough to rest.
Arriving in Atlanta after two hours flying time, even sans nap I felt great. Several trains, walkways, and stairs later we arrived at the rental car lot. After a quick lunch at Applebee’s in Marietta, GA we headed to Chattanooga to pick up our packets for Sunday’s run.
We pulled up to packet pick up after sundown and fifteen minutes before the eight o’clock deadline. Race numbers retrieved we left for Albertville, Ala to find our hotel.
Albertville is 30 miles from Lake Guntersville where the Mainly Marathons Appalachian Series Day seven was being run at 6:30 AM on Saturday morning. The thin hotel walls allowed us to hear talking and movement all night. I didn’t understand the purpose of the mirrors covering the wall behind the bed. I’m sure I slept some but it didn’t feel like it.
Lake Guntersville
Pulling my running clothes from my suitcase to dress, I couldn’t find my running bra. Sure enough I didn’t pack one. The most supportive bra I had with me was my Victoria Secret bra my daughter bought for me.
Victoria’s Secret bra, gloves, jacket, tights and long sleeve running shirt warded off the chill and made it the temperature more tolerable.
Arriving at the park, we checked in and picked up our T-shirts and medals. Yes, we received our medals before we ran. We had to wait until we finished to get our state and year attachments.
We lined up with 60 other marathon hopefuls, ready to run the out and back on the 2.184 mile course 12 times. As one of the other runners said, “After the first few times, you stop noticing how pretty this looks.” That quote was from Bryndis a marathoner from Iceland. There are four marathons a year in Iceland, so she travels to the USA to run. She had run a marathon with the group the previous day on a course that required running 21 laps. Many of the runners were completing the series and were on their seventh day of running. Running a marathon in laps takes patience. You keep up with the laps by taking a rubber band each time you complete a lap. The scenery was beautiful and several times we had to slow for ducks to meander across the trail.
Our bibs had our names printed on them and everyone soon learned our names and shouted support as we crisscrossed the course. It was soon impossible to know who was passing you and who you were passing but everyone was smiling. It was the most non-competitive event I’ve ever participated in.
The end! Is it really over?
My watch battery died before I finished so my last few laps were very relaxed. I finished with blisters on both feet. Taking my shoes off to change I discovered my Tiva’s were safe at home so I stood around in my socks. Ron brought me a cup of Fritos, pretzels, jelly beans and an orange for a recovery snack. It was fantastic!
We regrouped and left for Chattanooga. Stopping at a Mexican restaurant along the way and we had a lovely meal.
Anything would have tasted good but our food was great. The meal arrived just as the Texas A&M and Alabama football game began to broadcast on the television mounted above the bar. Since we were in Alabama, we didn’t advertise our support of the Texas team.
We made it to Chattanooga and checked into our hotel. It was lovely and more than made up for the first hotel. We each had showers and got comfortable while we waited for room service. I was feeling spoiled!
Our hotel was a mile from the race tents. We slept an hour later than Saturday and made it to the start around 6:30 AM. The marathon started at 7:00 AM and the half at 7:30 AM, so I was able to watch as Ron crossed the start line.
It was still 43 degrees, but I was getting used to the colder temperatures. Crossing the start line to the tune of Jump On It, by Sir Mix-a-lot was invigorating. Along the course you always meet interesting and fun people. Sunday was no exception. I ran with a couple who were married the day before and this was their honeymoon. Crazy, I think! I also ran with Jeanetta who was running because she is terrified of bridges. She chose to run the four bridges marathon to help get past her fears.
And there is always someone willing to give advice. My favorite advice overheard on Sunday was from a man running his first marathon. He said, “Never pass up an opportunity to pee!”
We both finished our races, Ron much stronger than me, but we had fun. After stopping for lunch at Genghis Grill, we returned to our hotel where we showered and napped before heading back out for ice cream at Ben and Jerry’s.
We wandered around downtown Chattanooga a while. We visited a book and yarn store where the owner was demonstrating how to use a spinning wheel. We ate again before going back to the hotel for the evening. Exhausted and sore, we slept early and soundly. We woke early on Monday and headed back to Atlanta. Our vacation was over. Marathon state #17 – check. Back to back race days – check!
I balance, I juggle and I try to stay afloat. People often tell me “You have to keep your life in balance.” Of course I immediately picture myself juggling colorful balls with my hands and feet. Keeping your life in balance….. What exactly does that mean anyway? I suppose the answer would depend upon who you ask.
I know I would like to keep my priorities straight and devote more time to things that are important to me. But if I were truly to do that, I’d be with my family 24/7 and I’m not sure they could handle me 24/7.
My work is not at the top of my priorities but I am in a committed relationship with my job. That means if I want to earn money I have to be productive. Occasionally that means working through the weekend or too many late nights in a row. People always tell me “You work too much!” I agree at times that’s true. As long as I choose to stay in this job, I am obligated to do it to the best of my ability. That doesn’t mean I’m not counting the days until I retire!
Writing is one of my favorite activities and pulls me in quickly. When I am in writing mode, I wake up thinking through story lines, dreaming about them. I sit at the computer creating every free minute. I am the same way when I am reading. Thoughts of any other activity are banished. But if I get derailed and lose focus, I’m done for the short term.
Exercise, I know it’s important and I enjoy working out. I’m not always thrilled with the process but I love the end results. I like feeling energized after a workout and I enjoy keeping fit but when I don’t stay vigilant, or have to miss a week, I find myself refocused on the next big thing.
And there’s nutrition. Everyone likes to weigh in on that one. Gluten free, high protein, low carb, no carb, vegetarian or carnivore. My food plan is pretty basic. Keep things as natural as possible. I avoid red meat, white meat, well pretty much all meat, but I do eat seafood and eggs.
I know I’m not good at balancing my competing agendas. If I notice I’ve been slipping and eating too much processed food or having too many treats, I back off and switch to salads, eliminate carbs and sweets and begin to worry about my weight.
When I start an exercise program, I’m all in. I know I can easily overdo. I immediately increase my intensity and frequency of exercise.
And work is just, well work! I like my job most days, but am not always good at delegating or walking away as often as I should.
So yes I can easily become obsessive and am often out of balance by many people’s standards. But, I love my life! I am happy and contented most days. So while I may not balance my activities, I am aware of it and will compensate next week, or next month or maybe when I retire.
I am not going to worry about it yet…… Maybe all this balance stuff is just too highly overrated!
Previously, we had a boot camp class at my office after work. We worked out downstairs in the courtyard. I loved the convenience; especially on days I had to go back to work after the workout.
It enabled me to take a break and still get work done. A little over a year ago, we lost our trainer. When he left, we had trouble finding someone who would come to our location. We couldn’t to keep enough people interested to make it worth their while. Interest fizzled.
But a few weeks ago, we got word that a new coach had been found for boot camp. After a flash of excitement, I immediately remembered how long it had been since I did a real workout, with a coach pushing me to my limits.
Class began on Thursday night with six people, which was promising for a first class. I soon realized how unprepared I was for the workout. We began with jumping jacks for 1 minute. I thought, “this isn’t too bad”, but as we transitioned to kicking our feet front to back and hands moving side to side I faltered. Coordination has never been my strong point. I tried not to fall on my face, as I did some semblance of throwing feed to chickens while stomping out a tap dance with my feet! We immediately moved on to squats which weren’t too bad, but as we transitioned to mountain climbers, I had forgotten how much fun they could be. I mean a plank is a ton of fun by itself, but throwing in some quick movements, pulling alternating knees forward, sort of like laying down while running, well that’s just peachy.
My abs were on fire, which I guess means I was doing something right! Knowing I had really accomplished something close to a miracle, I sucked down a gallon of water in anticipation of more fun.
At least every time we finished a set, I knew we were hacking minutes off the hour.
Back to my mat, I arrived in time for Coach Travis to call out, “It’s time for groiners and then we’ll add groiners with a twist.” Oh my! I didn’t want to know what this was going to be.
Surviving groiners, straight leg marches and follow the leader, I was huffing and puffing. Travis was our leader and we ran through obstacles, around the building and up three flights of stairs where we finally got to stop and stretch. That was great until Travis said, “Move to the rail and put your foot on the top rail.” Right! My foot found its way close to top, hovering dangerously on the third rail while I tried to keep from falling over.
After some wonderful (yes that’s sarcasm you hear) stretching, Travis instructed us to hurry back down to grab some water. “The faster you get down the more time you have to drink your water,” floated after us as we trooped “quickly” away.
I sipped water and trudged back toward my mat to collapse, relieved that hour would soon be over, as Travis shouted “Warmup is over! Let’s get started on the workout.”
What???
Friday, I woke, proud that I wasn’t too sore. At least I wasn’t sore until I sat up in bed and my abs complained. Then walking up the stairs, my calves reminded me they were a little bit sore as well. As the day wore on, I found lots more spots that reminded me I had worked out.
Tuesday evening, found me back at boot camp with nine other hopefuls. Ready to accomplish miracles with my poor tired muscles I prepared to start. Encouraged that I talked myself into coming back, I gamely tackled new exercises, got eliminated in the second round of the fitness challenge, but still felt successful. Ron and I totally represented in the medicine ball toss and finished more reps than anyone else. Baby steps, small victories. There’s always Thursday night!
I’ve been so busy and absentminded lately! Today I was particularly scattered. I began the day with my supervisor standing in the door of my office with a major problem. I spent the first half hour of my day researching the details of his issue only to find out everything was fine and there really wasn’t a problem after all.
When I finally got to my computer, I checked my calendar for meetings. The first one was scheduled for 10:00 AM with another one scheduled immediately afterward. I had just enough time to get a few things out-of-the-way first.
At 10:00 AM I headed off to the meeting, stopping by to grab my staff. They informed me I had been looking at tomorrow’s calendar. The rest of the morning, I kept forgetting it was Wednesday and tackling Thursday’s tasks.
I was sure I was going to forget to pick up my vegetables from the Farm to Work program which is delivered on Wednesday afternoon. The pickup time had changed from 2:30 PM to 1:45 PM. Finally I set my alarm for 1:45 PM and got back to work. I kept thinking about the pickup time and watching the clock until finally the alarm went off. I realized I had forgotten to bring a bag for the vegetables!
Digging through my office, I finally found a bag with some books in it. Dumping the books out, I rushed down three flights of stairs and hurried to the courtyard to pick up my vegetables. I had been so busy I had only left my desk one time to get a glass of water. Walking through the fresh air and sunshine was revitalizing! When I rounded the corner of the building at 1:46 PM, no one was waiting, no vegetables were lined up for collecting and I didn’t see the farm truck parked in its spot. I took a seat at the picnic table and enjoyed the sunshine. After five minutes or so I began to wonder if maybe I was confused about what day it was, although I was pretty sure I had already established it was really Wednesday.
Reluctantly I left the warm sunshine and headed back up the stairs to re-check my email. When I opened my email, I saw that at 1:15 PM I had received a message about the vegetables arriving early. The vegetables were in the Wellness office. I headed back down the stairs, back into the sunshine in search of vegetables.
As I filled my bag with the lovely fresh smell of cucumbers, sweet potatoes, jalapeno, squash and more I was smiling.
I didn’t forget my vegetables, I got more exercise by doing the stairs twice and I had some delicious vegetables to use as weights on the way back to my office.
Even the view outside my window looking at downtown Austin, TX looked just a little bit brighter.
The past couple of weeks the temperatures in Austin Texas hovered just under 100 degrees finally tipping the scales to peak at 100 degrees for more than 8 days straight. The thought of slogging through the humid soupy air isn’t very motivating.
As the heat climbs, exercising outdoors becomes dangerous. In Austin, the trails and roads are filled with all of us crazy runners, walkers and cyclist at all hours of the day.
Savvy athletes know you should always carry water if you will be out for any length of time in the Texas heat. Even so I have occasionally found myself in the heat sans water bottle. It usually happens when I intend to go a short distance and turn around but get caught up in the run and forget. I’m certainly no expert on how to prevent or treat heat illnesses but running in Austin for 12 years, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks on keeping your cool.
If you run in the downtown area, the Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail has water fountains placed strategically along the course. Much of the trail is shaded with large trees hanging over the path. I enjoy the shade on the trail, but it does get too crowded at times. Dodging strollers, cyclist and pets often drives me to the pavement for my runs.
If like me you prefer to run the roads instead of the trail, downtown Austin offers wide sidewalks on many streets. Drivers are accustomed to runners in the crosswalk, on the shoulder or occasionally in the bike lane. Less traveled side streets commonly offer tree lined sidewalks which provide some shade.
If you find yourself in need of water, there is a public water fountain near Colorado on Cesar Chavez. About a mile down Congress from Cesar Chavez you can access a replica water fountain located on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol Building. The fountain was restored in the early 1950’s and has a foot pedal to pump fresh water to quench your thirst. Warning! Be prepared to get wet as you push your face under the falling stream for a sip.
There are a few businesses who provide access to water for runners as well. I personally know of a dry cleaner who leaves a hose out for runners so they can get a drink from his outdoor faucet. I have also befriended a gas station attendant who has invited us to share the fountain in his garage any time we are out for a run.
On the UT campus there are public areas that offer cold water fountains for a brief respite for overheated runners. In addition, Pease Park and Butler Park both have water fountains to refill water bottles. I’m sure there are many other water sources but these are some of my “go to sources” if I find my water bottle nearing empty on a hot day.
All things considered, if you have to train in the heat, Austin Texas is a great place to do it.
Saturday morning, 4:30 AM and my eyes are open. What’s wrong with this picture? In the background, I hear the faint sound of the music from the alarm. Grudgingly my feet hit the floor and I am semi-vertical. To avoid the extreme Texas heat, our weekly running group meets at 5:45 AM for a 6:00 AM run. We have to be in the car before 5:00 AM to arrive on time.
Pulling on my running clothes and grabbing a bagel for breakfast, my husband and I made it out the door and were on the road by 4:50 AM. For some reason, I just didn’t feel like showing up, but shrugged it off. I mean after all who would want to get up at 4:45 AM on their day off to go for a long run!
Driving through Manor, TX at 5:00 AM, the last thing either of us wanted to see were flashing red and blue lights. A very nice man in uniform introduced himself as a county sheriff, and informed us our right headlight was out. With a warning ticket in hand, I asked Ron if he was sure he didn’t just want to go back home and go to bed. He just grinned at me and pulled back into traffic.
We actually made it on time and headed for a quick bio break at the restrooms provided by our running group. As we walked toward them we were warned, someone had forgotten to lock them the prior night and they were so soiled they were virtually unusable. Great!
Undeterred, we each found our running mates and lined up in the pre-dawn muggy heat, ready to do a 6 mile run. I was scheduled for 14 miles for the day, so I was looking forward to an extra 8 miles after the group run.
We all synchronized our watches and set off, settling into an easy rhythm. The first few miles went by pretty fast although there were a lot of uphills. I told my coach I was ready for some downhills. Pretty soon, every downhill someone would call out, “Here’s a downhill for Deanna!” Around mile 4, we turned down a particularly hilly road where the slopes were quite a bit steeper. I was enjoying an especially steep downhill, feeling like I was riding a Radio Flyer red wagon. My right shoe hit a patch of gravel and suddenly I knew I was going down. I’ve run a lot of years and have never fallen, but it was happening!
My right hand hit the asphalt first followed by my elbow, hip and knee. As I slid a few feet down the hill, I managed to avoid hitting my head or tumbling head over heels. Completely mortified, I tried to jump up as blood dripped from my right palm and elbow. Everyone gathered round and offered assistance as they returned my possessions. Some one had my phone, another runner had found my Jawbone and someone else returned my water. Everything had flown along with me and been scattered when I hit the pavement.
After the shock wore off, I walked a few blocks and decided I was not significantly injured and finished my run. I actually caught back up with part of my group and finished.
This afternoon I still had swelling and bruising from my wrist to my elbow, so I ducked into an urgent care center for x-rays and a tetanus shot. Good news – nothing is broken, only sprained. The only down side is a splint and a late blog post.
Today, Sunday June 7th, 2015; I have been given the gift of relaxation. I’ve decided not to work at my day job this weekend. We are in the process of a major software implementation. I am woefully behind and next week promises to be jam packed with tasks. But I need some recovery time. This is the last weekend before training begins for our fall marathons and soon we will begin summer hours at work. 10 hour days, four days a week.
Yesterday I cleaned house. I mean actually cleaned! I scrubbed, mopped, dusted organized and polished. This morning, I made pancakes, hash browns and scrambled eggs for breakfast. With the help of my family, the leftovers are put away, the dishwasher loaded and I find myself sitting at the computer with a full day to write.
I fiddled through my email, opened my current novel in progress, and reviewed and edited some short stories. I recently rescued the stories from an old computer I am going to retire. Making a mental list of writing tasks on my plate, I contemplated what I should do first.
I decided to move outside to the deck to write. Moving outside required digging up an extension cord for the laptop and my phone charger. Check, I’m hooked up to power and ready to work.
It’s already hot outside, but the deck is still shaded by the overhead oak and pine trees surrounding it. Just as I’m thinking how cool it is, I realize I should be preemptive and put up the umbrella before the sun shifts and I start to sweat. Now if I could just remember where I stored it last summer. Maybe it is in the front hall closet. I pull coats and bags aside to search and I am not having much luck. Pushing the door closed, I couldn’t think where else to look, so I give it one more try. I found it! It was tucked in the back corner, shorter than I remembered, so it had been overlooked on my first try.
Now, I’m golden. The breeze is cool, I have power and a wonderfully cold bottle of water. I’m watching the cats play while my husband is digging weeds and adding another raised bed. Our garden rarely produces much, but we are quite successful at feeding the deer and the rabbits.
I think I should go help him for a while. We need to decide what to put into the new garden space. Perhaps today is a day to enjoy small victories and random tasks. Maybe I’ll catch up with writing later….. I’m off to the garden center.
r tumbling head over heels. Completely mortified, I tried to jump up as blood dripped from my right palm and elbow. Everyone gathered round and offered assistance as they returned my possessions. Some one had my phone, another runner had found my Jawbone and someone else returned my water. Everything had flown along with me and been scattered when I hit the pavement.
Not too bad after all!
Nana's Apron Strings 