Another race

After viewing the last post I made to my blog I realized I hadn't yet noted my last race. I experienced Ragnar this last June and Loved it. I had a great team that included my brother and sister in law, her brother, a couple my brother works with and a crazy good runner. We had a lot of fun getting to know each other. I also loved running into my sister at the van exchange points. I certainly learned my limits as a runner and look forward to extending those limits.

something without need

This past year has been filled with getting things done that needed to be done. This summer I wanted to do something that didn't need to be done. So I made a quilt top. I have never pieced a quilt before and while this is a very simple one I 'did it by myself!' I used the old jeans sitting in my sewing room waiting to be donated or made into shorts. The printed red material is from my grandmother. So far it is free. I just had to buy the red material and that was pretty cheap. I look forward to tying it when the basement is finished. Don't look too close. Not all the corners and seams match up and I even allowed a few tucks to make things fit. No matter. I loved spending time on something that had no need.

Racing continues

This last weekend was the third race in a row for our family. Two weekends ago, (the one after our 1/2 marathon) was the school's 5k. Katherine and Elliot took first in their divisions. Matthew and Emilia had a great showing as well. I did a great job of running it, maybe I should say organizing it.

Then last weekend we traveled to Boulder Co for the Bolder Boulder 10k. We had a great time with Matthew's brother and family. The race was crazy. 54,000 people ran it. Needless to say, it never thinned out. We were weaving in and out of racers for the entire race. It was a fun atmoshpere and route. Glad I ran it.

Now...two free weekends. At least from races. Then the Ragnar. Should be fun. I just wish all this running would help with my waistline.

#3

Finished my third half marathon. I was pleased with my run. This was a bad year for training but I still beat my goal and my best time. 1:49:49!! It was a beautiful run down ogden canyon and through the river parkway trail. Thanks to Matthew for keeping me running when I was ready to quit during training.

Haven't yet decided what my next goal will be, another 1/2, maybe a full. Who knows? I know I need a good time on memorial day in order to beat my brother-in-law on the 10K. Competitive? Me?

1 2 3 4 I declare....

A deer war. Again this year, my birdseed has disappeared quickly. The deer tracks led right to the feeder. I declare war. Already some of my little tulips are nibbled on. I declare war. Here is my plan to defeat and beat back the pesky critters. First, I put up some noisy wind chimes. I know this isn't a great option, but I figure it is like warning the deer. Then, my big guns..... pepper. Hot pepper. Some of you know that I use my dads recipe for feeding my lawn. It includes things like, mouthwash, dishsoap, epsom salts, beer and amonia. While these ingredients might be enough, I added lot of ground red pepper. Just smelling it made my eyes hurt. I drenched my entire flower garden with the stuff. I only wish I could get video of the first taste the deer get. That would indeed be sweet victory.

Spring time

I love the changing seasons. I love the beginning of every season. Today I saw the first crocus in my yard. The birds are quickly re-establishing in my backyard and I look forward to getting out and mowing the grass for the first time. We have had fun this year identifying the birds in our yard. The blue one is a scrub jay, and the spotted on is a northern flicker. I have even learned to identify some of the calls.

Christmas lights

I love Christmas lights. Matthew used to love Christmas lights. Since we moved into this house, however, Matthew doesn't put up lights anymore. For the first couple of years I got out a ladder, stabilized it with a block of wood on our "oh so ever" level driveway, and put lights on the lower part of the roof line. If I weren't such a baby about heights I would go Griswald up on the roof. The last two years have been pathetically lightless with the exception of the lights I put around the front door. I don't think they really count.

Not this year. When we bought Matthew a flagpole for father's day in my mind I was calling it my lightpole. I knew I wanted to hang a star with lines of lights streaming down. I know, everyone with a flagpole does this, I DON'T CARE! I just want lights.

I searched for a good star to buy. They were all stupid, small or non-existent. Then I decided to make one. Finally, on Tuesday all my dreams came true. I made my own star, painted , wrapped lights, then hoisted it up the lightpole. I didn't have stakes to hold down the streaming lights so I wrapped a couple strands around the pole. Then, even though it was 2 in the afternoon, I plugged the lights in. No one has dared turn them off yet!