The past few days have finally been pleasant temperatures, with sunny skies and little wind. Time to really enjoy the summer weather.
I'm looking forward to planning vacation - a week-long motorcycle trip. It's that feeling of - time to get away from the routine schedule and usual scenery. We are thinking of going to the Blue Ridge Parkway - we've been once but it was rainy and foggy the whole time and we didn't see much of it.
Plans for the weekend include a 5K race, preparing food for our family reunion, as well as having company for dinner Saturday night, and the family reunion on Sunday. I better get some laundry and clutter clearing done tonight.
Seems to be an uneventful week otherwise. It is okay for now.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Last Week and Next
Since I never got around to finishing my vacation summary, I'll just say that the main highlight of the last three days of vacation was that on Saturday morning, which was breezy, sunny and warm, I ran around the whole lake - 7.45 miles. In the evening we went to the races again, and it was much more fun as it wasn't so cold, windy and dirty. I wish I'd written more last weekend, because now I have forgotten what we did on Friday or Sunday!
The past week hasn't been too eventful, either, though on Tuesday I did go to breakfast with a friend I hadn't seen for a long time. She is going to move back to Germany in August, after being here for grad school for the last four years.
Tuesday night I went to the run club board meeting. I finally had a week when I made it to the gym twice and ran both Tuesday and Thursday. Yesterday I ran in a 5K. It was pouring down rain until just a few minutes before the starting gun. I was glad it stopped when it did. I did take my old (previously mud caked) shoes and changed into them before the race, in case the rain started up again. If it hadn't been raining, I may have been able to run a couple miles warm up - it might have helped my time, which was a minute slower than last year. If I'd run the same time as last year, I would've taken third in my age group... darn!
In the afternoon, I helped a young friend with her sewing project again. She got fairly far along, but nowhere near done. Hopefully she can get the bulk of the rest done at home... not sure when or if we can get together again.
Drh has gone on a mission trip with a small group from church - they were planning to do much outside and roofing work on homes affected by major flooding late last summer. When they arrived at the mission host church six hours away from home, it had been raining there all day for a total of six inches of rain so far. They might have to find other, indoor projects to help with if the rain continues as predicted the next few days.
It has been quiet here without him today. I had a good salad for lunch: mixed greens - beautiful red leaf and oak leaf lettuces from the farmers' market - green onions, radishes, black olives, shredded cheddar cheese, bite size pieces of cold chicken previously grilled with chili/cajun spice seasonings, salsa and sour cream. Yummy. Also grapes and an ice cream bar. For supper I had a pb&j on walnut/raisin/molasses toast and two small peaches cut up and sprinkled with a little sugar.
This week I hope to get some good errands done on Tuesday, including dropping of Goodwill items, banking, return library books, buy a wedding card and gift, and pick up some items accumlating on a list. Otherwise the week consists of going to the gym, running, trying to eat decent meals by myself, start a white linen-look skirt, clean the bathroom and vacuum the house, and get the check book reconciled. Not much time to sit around doing nothing!
The past week hasn't been too eventful, either, though on Tuesday I did go to breakfast with a friend I hadn't seen for a long time. She is going to move back to Germany in August, after being here for grad school for the last four years.
Tuesday night I went to the run club board meeting. I finally had a week when I made it to the gym twice and ran both Tuesday and Thursday. Yesterday I ran in a 5K. It was pouring down rain until just a few minutes before the starting gun. I was glad it stopped when it did. I did take my old (previously mud caked) shoes and changed into them before the race, in case the rain started up again. If it hadn't been raining, I may have been able to run a couple miles warm up - it might have helped my time, which was a minute slower than last year. If I'd run the same time as last year, I would've taken third in my age group... darn!
In the afternoon, I helped a young friend with her sewing project again. She got fairly far along, but nowhere near done. Hopefully she can get the bulk of the rest done at home... not sure when or if we can get together again.
Drh has gone on a mission trip with a small group from church - they were planning to do much outside and roofing work on homes affected by major flooding late last summer. When they arrived at the mission host church six hours away from home, it had been raining there all day for a total of six inches of rain so far. They might have to find other, indoor projects to help with if the rain continues as predicted the next few days.
It has been quiet here without him today. I had a good salad for lunch: mixed greens - beautiful red leaf and oak leaf lettuces from the farmers' market - green onions, radishes, black olives, shredded cheddar cheese, bite size pieces of cold chicken previously grilled with chili/cajun spice seasonings, salsa and sour cream. Yummy. Also grapes and an ice cream bar. For supper I had a pb&j on walnut/raisin/molasses toast and two small peaches cut up and sprinkled with a little sugar.
This week I hope to get some good errands done on Tuesday, including dropping of Goodwill items, banking, return library books, buy a wedding card and gift, and pick up some items accumlating on a list. Otherwise the week consists of going to the gym, running, trying to eat decent meals by myself, start a white linen-look skirt, clean the bathroom and vacuum the house, and get the check book reconciled. Not much time to sit around doing nothing!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Field Trip
Last Thursday we got going about 8 a.m. and went to Springfield on the motorcycle, driving on old Rt. 66 from south Bloomington to Springfield. Parts of that road are really pretty and country-looking, even though mostly right beside I-55.
We went to the Lincoln Museum and it was fairly interesting. Some of it was irritating, such as the tiny signage and, though you might think it's better this way, the high-reading-level language used. It just took more time to read and also the signs were small and only one person could read at a time. And often a glare from spotlights on the shiny laminate surface of signs. There were too many dark places where I could barely see anything. And the gallery of political cartoons ridiculing and criticizing Lincoln included recordings of words spoken against him, low lights, highly hung pictures that were displayed in ever increasingly slanted frames which ended up making me dizzy. The idea was good to demonstrate the historical information, but the execution was not pleasant. Maybe that was the idea. Maybe I was just crabby.
I really liked the examples of ladies' dresses, though. Just thinking about how to make one would take a week, and making it would take a month!! The Civil War part was very good in portraying the effects of the war on individual lives and also the massive impact - it made me sad. Most of the exhibits were colorful and modern looking and very appealing and attractive and seemingly didn't "gloss over" the facts of history of the times.
I do wish I'd kept my fleece jacket on that I wore under my motorcycle jacket for extra layer because it was freezing! And I had on shoes, socks, jeans and a 3/4 sleeve tshirt, so not just skimpy summer-wear.
The two theater shows of about 15 min. each included hologram effects that were very well done. All in all, worth going to.
We stopped in the cafe and had some tea and split a muffin. We left there about 1:30 and walked about a mile to the Dana-Thomas house built in 1902-04 by Frank Lloyd Wright for Susan Lawrence Dana and took a tour of that. It was very interesting and SO cool. I thought drh would like it because of all the beautiful wood furnishings. He did, but wasn't WOWed like I was with the whole beauty of the design, etc. Anyway, I've always wanted to go there and I am glad we did. Here is a link : http://www.dana-thomas.org/
On the way back to the parking garage we stopped at a little cafe and had a sandwich. Got home about 6:00 and drh went for a bike ride and I ran. It was too late to go out to the lake group run, but a perfect day to ride the motorcycle AND exercise outside. Then we had nachos for supper. Simple and tasty.
We went to the Lincoln Museum and it was fairly interesting. Some of it was irritating, such as the tiny signage and, though you might think it's better this way, the high-reading-level language used. It just took more time to read and also the signs were small and only one person could read at a time. And often a glare from spotlights on the shiny laminate surface of signs. There were too many dark places where I could barely see anything. And the gallery of political cartoons ridiculing and criticizing Lincoln included recordings of words spoken against him, low lights, highly hung pictures that were displayed in ever increasingly slanted frames which ended up making me dizzy. The idea was good to demonstrate the historical information, but the execution was not pleasant. Maybe that was the idea. Maybe I was just crabby.
I really liked the examples of ladies' dresses, though. Just thinking about how to make one would take a week, and making it would take a month!! The Civil War part was very good in portraying the effects of the war on individual lives and also the massive impact - it made me sad. Most of the exhibits were colorful and modern looking and very appealing and attractive and seemingly didn't "gloss over" the facts of history of the times.
I do wish I'd kept my fleece jacket on that I wore under my motorcycle jacket for extra layer because it was freezing! And I had on shoes, socks, jeans and a 3/4 sleeve tshirt, so not just skimpy summer-wear.
The two theater shows of about 15 min. each included hologram effects that were very well done. All in all, worth going to.
We stopped in the cafe and had some tea and split a muffin. We left there about 1:30 and walked about a mile to the Dana-Thomas house built in 1902-04 by Frank Lloyd Wright for Susan Lawrence Dana and took a tour of that. It was very interesting and SO cool. I thought drh would like it because of all the beautiful wood furnishings. He did, but wasn't WOWed like I was with the whole beauty of the design, etc. Anyway, I've always wanted to go there and I am glad we did. Here is a link : http://www.dana-thomas.org/
On the way back to the parking garage we stopped at a little cafe and had a sandwich. Got home about 6:00 and drh went for a bike ride and I ran. It was too late to go out to the lake group run, but a perfect day to ride the motorcycle AND exercise outside. Then we had nachos for supper. Simple and tasty.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Some More Vacation Reports
Monday we drove up to visit Laura and Brett. We took brats, buns and salad makings. They fixed baked beans and fruit jello. It was a good summer meal with good company. Even though storms were predicted, the day stayed warm and sunny all day. We only got rained on a few minutes driving home.
Tuesday was not summery at all. It was cold, wet and windy all day. I stayed inside and sorted things in the sewing room, finished sewing a skirt I'd started about 2 years back, and worked on a blouse that was about 1/4 done maybe a year and a half ago. The fabrics are resorted and I have a better handle on what kinds of patterns and supplies are still here. I was very happy to have the whole day to do that kind of stuff. I never went running, which I sort of regretted, but the weather was just too icky. I am ready for heat and sun.
Drh worked on the vacuum system in the shop. I fixed hot German potato salad, smoked sausage in sauerkraut, salad, and applesauce for supper. The potato salad was good - the first time I'd ever made it.
Wednesday morning was prettier than Tuesday. I cleaned the bathroom, and cleaned out the inside of the car, including vacuuming and doing the leather cleaning/treatment on the seats. I continued working on the unfinished blouse, hoping for a good fit so I can use that same pattern in a different sleeve version for another summer top I have in mind. In the afternoon we took a random motorcycle ride. Later we went to the Chiefs' baseball game and enjoyed free hotdogs and peanuts for supper. A good combination of work and relaxation for the day.
Tuesday was not summery at all. It was cold, wet and windy all day. I stayed inside and sorted things in the sewing room, finished sewing a skirt I'd started about 2 years back, and worked on a blouse that was about 1/4 done maybe a year and a half ago. The fabrics are resorted and I have a better handle on what kinds of patterns and supplies are still here. I was very happy to have the whole day to do that kind of stuff. I never went running, which I sort of regretted, but the weather was just too icky. I am ready for heat and sun.
Drh worked on the vacuum system in the shop. I fixed hot German potato salad, smoked sausage in sauerkraut, salad, and applesauce for supper. The potato salad was good - the first time I'd ever made it.
Wednesday morning was prettier than Tuesday. I cleaned the bathroom, and cleaned out the inside of the car, including vacuuming and doing the leather cleaning/treatment on the seats. I continued working on the unfinished blouse, hoping for a good fit so I can use that same pattern in a different sleeve version for another summer top I have in mind. In the afternoon we took a random motorcycle ride. Later we went to the Chiefs' baseball game and enjoyed free hotdogs and peanuts for supper. A good combination of work and relaxation for the day.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Weekend List
Listing things that I do/accomplish during my vacation - first weekend:
Friday evening: Made and took taco bean salad (no meat) to friends' house for dinner. They made chicken enchiladas and brownies. Yummy.
Saturday: Got up at 6:45 and went to town to farmers' market, where I bought oakleaf and red leaf lettuces, purple basil and hydroponic tomatoes. I could've bought some nice-looking green onions and radishes, too, but already had some from the grocery store.
Stopped at garden shop and got $45 worth of geraniums and annuals for flower pots on the deck.
Made an elastic-waist skirt with attached apron for a young friend.
Did two loads of laundry.
Talked on the phone for quite awhile with a friend who lost her mother a few days ago.
Had a hamburger for lunch - drh cooked on the Geo. Forman.
Worked on the purple valances for one of the church classrooms.
Ran 4 miles. It was warm and my legs were tired, but I started a new pair of shoes and that helped my hip, I think.
Started planting the flowers.
Cleaned up a little and changed clothes; then we rode the motorcycle to the dirt track races. I got cold from the strong east wind, and the dirt was really blowing so we were filthy. But the races were entertaining enough. Glad I didn't shower before we went!
Sunday: Prepared and served coffee hour at church.
Read the paper. Cleaned the kitchen and took out recycling.
Had some taco bean salad for lunch.
Planted the rest of the flowers in the pots.
Took a motorcycle ride around the lakes. It was beautiful out. The lakes are really full.
Thinly sliced a piece of sirloin that we haven't gotten around to cooking this weekend. Put the pieces in a zip bag with marinade for fajitas, then put it in the freezer for a meal later this week or next.
Made a really good salad and drh cooked the rest of the hamburgers on the grill. Had a glass of syrah/red zin with dinner. Very nice.
Cleaned up kitchen again.
Paid bills online.
SALAD
Red romaine and oakleaf lettuces - torn, chopped tomato, sliced radishes and green onions, a few basil leaves chopped, seasoned with oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, olive oil and red wine vinegar. Topped with spoonful of goat cheese with basil and roasted garlic, croutons. The only thing to make it better would have been homemade croutons.
Friday evening: Made and took taco bean salad (no meat) to friends' house for dinner. They made chicken enchiladas and brownies. Yummy.
Saturday: Got up at 6:45 and went to town to farmers' market, where I bought oakleaf and red leaf lettuces, purple basil and hydroponic tomatoes. I could've bought some nice-looking green onions and radishes, too, but already had some from the grocery store.
Stopped at garden shop and got $45 worth of geraniums and annuals for flower pots on the deck.
Made an elastic-waist skirt with attached apron for a young friend.
Did two loads of laundry.
Talked on the phone for quite awhile with a friend who lost her mother a few days ago.
Had a hamburger for lunch - drh cooked on the Geo. Forman.
Worked on the purple valances for one of the church classrooms.
Ran 4 miles. It was warm and my legs were tired, but I started a new pair of shoes and that helped my hip, I think.
Started planting the flowers.
Cleaned up a little and changed clothes; then we rode the motorcycle to the dirt track races. I got cold from the strong east wind, and the dirt was really blowing so we were filthy. But the races were entertaining enough. Glad I didn't shower before we went!
Sunday: Prepared and served coffee hour at church.
Read the paper. Cleaned the kitchen and took out recycling.
Had some taco bean salad for lunch.
Planted the rest of the flowers in the pots.
Took a motorcycle ride around the lakes. It was beautiful out. The lakes are really full.
Thinly sliced a piece of sirloin that we haven't gotten around to cooking this weekend. Put the pieces in a zip bag with marinade for fajitas, then put it in the freezer for a meal later this week or next.
Made a really good salad and drh cooked the rest of the hamburgers on the grill. Had a glass of syrah/red zin with dinner. Very nice.
Cleaned up kitchen again.
Paid bills online.
SALAD
Red romaine and oakleaf lettuces - torn, chopped tomato, sliced radishes and green onions, a few basil leaves chopped, seasoned with oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, olive oil and red wine vinegar. Topped with spoonful of goat cheese with basil and roasted garlic, croutons. The only thing to make it better would have been homemade croutons.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Time Off
Last night after running I was sitting with friends at the after-run place. I mentioned how my right hip hurts, though I expected the left side to feel more effects of the trail run, since I kept leading with my left leg while leaping mud holes. Someone said, "and heaven forbid that we take a couple days off when we're sore!" He's right - unless in severe pain, time off isn't just automatic - you have to try another run. So I'm hoping the hip will feel fine by tomorrow.
Otherwise the run was good, perfect weather and the tree blossoms still smell so sweet.
Speaking of time off, I will be off work all next week. Some of the things I hope to accomplish:
Finish the church valances.
Make a skirt for a young friend.
Have lunch with another friend, who will be moving to Germany at the end of summer.
Cut drh's hair again.
Clean out closets.
Clean out the car.
Buy and plant flowers in the pots on the deck.
Work on some other sewing projects.
Figure out what to wear to a wedding in a couple of weeks.
Also we hope to take a motorcycle trip for a couple of days.
Otherwise the run was good, perfect weather and the tree blossoms still smell so sweet.
Speaking of time off, I will be off work all next week. Some of the things I hope to accomplish:
Finish the church valances.
Make a skirt for a young friend.
Have lunch with another friend, who will be moving to Germany at the end of summer.
Cut drh's hair again.
Clean out closets.
Clean out the car.
Buy and plant flowers in the pots on the deck.
Work on some other sewing projects.
Figure out what to wear to a wedding in a couple of weeks.
Also we hope to take a motorcycle trip for a couple of days.
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