Tag Archives: snow

This And That

I think when last I left you, I had been in Hawaii then sadly came home to the freezing cold.  I did post a picture of some snow, but here… I have a better one.  My first day back at work, I got stuck, even with studded snow tires.  I’m the blue SUV.  I didn’t feel half as bad as the yellow JEEP who also got just as stuck.  (Okay, so we both only have front-wheel drive.)  No one got up the driveway that day.  Eventually when it was time to go home, we who were stuck had to dig ourselves out.  Gotta say, I have some really great co-workers as everyone helped (which basically consisted of 3 other women, but damn, we killed it with the snow shovels… boys, take note, 😀 ).

It’s the beginning of March and with all the snow and cold weather, we’ve yet to see any babies at the wildlife rescue center, for which I’m extremely grateful.  History dictates that first up will be the baby cottontails or the baby raptors.  But while we don’t have wild baby bunnies yet, I do have have one big baby that I care for and hug on daily… the clinic manager’s bunny that hangs out with me and guilts me into feeding him treats.  Daryl got himself a nice polar bear knitted cap which he doesn’t really like wearing, but it doesn’t matter, he’s too freaking cute.  (Just FYI… I do not cuddle on the wild baby bunnies… wildlife remains wild.)

This weekend was the Seattle Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k that James and I both signed up for to represent BibRave.  It was the first race of 2018 for both of us.  As this is a partnered event with Bibrave, I’ll cover the legalities now:

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Allstate Hot Chocolate Seattle race as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!”

Saturday had us going to the race expo and practicing travel logistics for the race on Sunday.  But, I have to say, this race support has been great from the very start.  Once I signed up, I was emailed a 10-week training plan based on my pace.  They then emailed me every week to remind me which week I was supposed to be on for training.  Fabulous support throughout the training.  Kudos to them.

If you want to know how I did, you’ll have to stay tuned.  Spoiler alert:  I did not have a good day.

 

 

Lastly, today would have been my mother’s 81st birthday AND my brother’s 60th birthday.  Yes, my mother’s first child was born on her 21st birthday… what a fabulous gift.  For those who are new to my blog, my brother died in 2015 from cancer and my mother died several months later in 2016 of complications from a GI bleed.

Today, on their special day, this song is for them:

Lyrics:

Sorry I never told you
All I wanted to say
Now it’s too late to hold you
‘Cause you’ve flown away
So far away
Never had I imagined
Living without your smile
Feeling and knowing you hear me
It keeps me alive
Alive
And I know you’re shining down on me from heaven
Like so many friends we’ve lost along the way
And I know eventually we’ll be together
One sweet day
Darling I never showed you
Assumed you’d always be there
I, I took your presence for granted
But I always cared
And I miss the love we shared
And I know you’re shining down on me from heaven
Like so many friends we’ve lost along the way
And I know eventually we’ll be together
One sweet day
Although the sun will never shine the same
I’ll always look to a brighter day
Lord I know when I lay me down to sleep
You will always listen as I pray
And I know you’re shining down on me from heaven
Like so many friends we’ve lost along the way
And I know eventually we’ll be together
One sweet day
Sorry I never told you
All I wanted to say

Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay

That’s a saying we use regularly in my house. “Sittin’ on the dock of the bay.”  It completely explains our current state of activity.  No further explanation needed when asked ‘whatcha doing.’

I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooo, I’m just sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ time

(Admit it… you sang those lyrics while you read them, didn’t you)

Today is the first real day of my holiday vacation and I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay.  And I’m not ashamed to say it loud and proud.

Anyone having fun with their runs and participating in the #RunChatHunt?  I doubt I’ll complete the challenge, but I have managed to find a couple of the items, such as inflatables:

And a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree:

James also created a SquadRunner team of 20 people to keep us motivated and running through the holidays and beyond.  We compete with other teams around the world for standings, and each day there is a quiz you can take for points, not to mention new missions (must reach a certain distance or time) which will also give you extra points.

Today’s mission is 9.5 miles.  I need to get out and complete at least half of it, but it is so cold out there.  Okay, nothing like riding a bike in 18 deg F cold (Jim… brrrr), but it’s cold for us… for me.  My cat has taken up residence in the warmest bathroom in the house and is laying on the heating vent.  You see, we had a White Christmas.  Yes indeedy… it snowed.

 

Anyway, back to SquadRunner, we have a great team and are currently ranked 41st out of a couple hundred.  Our 20 team members hail from around the globe… Germany, UK, Canada, East Coast, West Coast.  We motivate, encourage, and celebrate each other.  It has been such a great and positive experience and it makes me want to get out and get some mileage for the team… cold or no cold. But right now, I’m still sittin’ on the dock of the bay.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my relaxing morning, getting caught up with all of you:  AJ vacationing in Arizona; Brian re-running his Village of the Damned series (which is what got me hooked on Bonnywood Manor to begin with); AB traveling during the holidays and most recently Rome; and I always enjoy reading T’s happenings and thoughts, as well as Marie’s Monday school.  Also hoping for wellness for GH and a speedy recovery for Randy who recently ruptured his Achilles and had to have surgery.  And hey!  After a long hiatus, welcome back, WBFM!

Sometimes it’s good just sittin’ on the dock of the bay!

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas!

Oh No! I’m Late!!

… for Motivational Music Monday, that is!  Sheesh, what were you thinking?!

But first, a small update…

Snow… it won’t stop.  This happened last Monday:

And this happened the Monday before that:

I’m really kind of done with winter.  Even our red-tailed hawk at work has been none too impressed… she’s looking a bit cranky these days:

However… cold weather and all, James kicked ass at his race last weekend; the sun even came out for a couple of hours while he ran (he was so lucky to have sun)!  It seems I barely had enough time to get to the finish line before he crossed.  I see him work incredibly hard to get his speed up, and while he didn’t PR, he was close to it.  He’s not convinced he’ll PR in Reno because of the course and elevation (Reno is where our next big race is), but I disagree with him.  I think he has a good chance in spite of the course and elevation.

Okay… now onto MMM…

Are you familiar with Erasure?  They aren’t as big in the US as they have been in the UK.  I was surprised to learn that from 1986 to 2007, they achieved 24 consecutive top 40 hits in the UK. As well, 34 of their 45 singles and EPs have made the UK Top 40, with 17 of them climbing into the top 10 in the UK.  The only song of theirs to chart in France was “Oh L’Amour.”  To date, they have sold over 25 million albums worldwide.

All that being said, I am familiar with only two of their songs, the following being my favorite. This is one that has stood the test of time for me, so it ranks way up there.  It has a constant beat so it’s super great to run to.  If you don’t know it, take a listen.  You may have just found your new favorite song to run to.

So tell me…

  • Have you heard of Erasure?
  • If so, what’s your favorite song by them?
  • Do you have a favorite song this week that James needs to add to his MMM list?

We’re heading to a new area for long-run Sunday and hoping to meet up with a fellow blogger. I will let you know how/if that goes.  Regardless… we’re going to have new territory and a new trail to explore.  I’m actually looking forward to it, because it won’t be snowing!! Happy Sunday my friends!

En Vogue

Way back when, late ’80s/early ’90s, I lived in the University of Arizona district in Tucson.  I walked everywhere.  To and from work, I walked.  Restaurants, stores, I walked.  Even in the midst of the summer heat (one time in 117 degrees F), I walked. And I never went anywhere without my Walkman (for cassette tapes) or my Discman (for CDs).  I was always plugged into music and had favorite groups I would listen to over and over again. En Vogue was one of those groups.

For #FlashbackFriday and for #MotivationalMusicMonday over at 50 in 50 Marathon Quest, I present to you En VogueFree Your Mind!  An inspiring song, especially with all the separation that’s going on in our country now.  It’s also great to get up and move to!

And just for extra fun, Hold On… the first hit from their debut album.

Oh, I can’t stop there!  Giving Him Something He Can Feel just makes me smile!

And last but not least, Yesterday.  You had to own the album to actually know they did it, but this song showcases their true talent.

Saturday morning, James and I are headed to the Lake Sammamish Half-Marathon.  He’s running, and I’m sitting out this time… for once I get to be the cheerleader!  Yayyy!  It’s supposed to snow again (boooo)… so be sure to wish him good luck!  He’s going to need to run really really fast just to stay warm!  (Please wear your Hoka’s, hunny… you don’t own YakTrax).

Have a fantastical weekend!!

Hiya!

Hey!  How’s that for a catchy title!  I’m brilliant that way, you know.

I got an email from my sister today saying I’d been awful quiet, so I thought I’d write a quick update to say, yes, I’m still here.

Over the weekend, we had snowmageddon.  I am not a snow person.  I do not do snow.  And yet, this winter, snow insists on showing up on my doorstep and wreaking havoc on my roads. That nonsense is about to end though as the forecast is predicting rain, rain, and more rain. Hallelujah!

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Last Friday, AJ twisted his ankle at school and sprained it.  Yep… snow.  Or ice.  Same difference. But did I mention it’s going to rain?  Hallelujah!

It’s so cold in my house that the fishtank heater can’t even keep up with warming the water.  I had to get a backup because I know this current one is going to fail any day now as it’s been running 24/7 just lately.  But it’s about to be 50 deg F here in the next day or two.  That’s right… dare I say it?!  Hallelujah!

And don’t you worry about the raccoons… we’ve got them covered.  They’re getting plenty to eat, snow and all. The cats are kind of hungry, but those little raccoons are sure sitting pretty!

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Because this little sweetie is probably thinking, “It’s good to be alive right about now” (hallelujah!), he deserves a little Andy Grammer!

  • Winter got you down?  Or are you used to it and loving the snowy days?
  • Who wishes they were in Hawaii right now besides me?
  • Who’s running Reno in April?  Anybody?  Anybody?

Go check out James’s most recent post at 50 in 50 Marathon Quest… he has an exciting announcement about BibRave!

Easy Wheatberries

It had been awhile since I made wheatberries and completely forgot how to do it, because, you know, I’m such a whiz when it comes to cooking… not.  So I turned to the internet for advice.  A simple recipe… that’s all I wanted.  Water-to-wheatberry ratio!  Length of boiling time!  Is that too much to ask?  Apparently.

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After searching and sorting through tons of worthless articles about how to boil wheatberries and getting incredibly frustrated in the process, I decided an easy recipe needed to be posted. No rubbish about how wonderful they are for you… just a simple wheatberry recipe.  Here ya go:

3 cups of water to 1 cup of wheatberries.  Boil water, add wheatberries and a pinch of salt. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 hour.  Eat them however your little heart desires.

Just so happens we eat them on our salad, which is what our dinner was tonight.  You know… New Year, running, upcoming races… no time like the present to get back to healthy. The holidays are over after all and it’s time to re-focus.  However, when I was preparing said salad, and because I’m such a rockstar in the kitchen, I forgot to peel the cucumber before I cut it up. The skin was too bitter to eat, so I took each piece of cucumber out of the salad and peeled them individually.  It’s been a banner night.

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That being said, at least we’re warming up now.  For the past few weeks, we’ve been under a sheet of ice and sometimes snow, getting down to 15 degrees F (-9C).  Today was actually the first day I’ve felt warm in a long time.  The house wouldn’t even heat properly during our cold spell.  I was making those pre-made, drop-dough cookies just so I could turn the oven on for extra warmth!

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Our turkey vulture at work had to have 2 heat lamps hanging for her.

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The trail… yeah, not happening…

But I know one person that the snow didn’t stop!  Such dedication!

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As for the first race of the year… it will be April 9th, The Seahawks 12K Run.  Cannot wait to have that hot little bling in my hands!!  After that, it’s Reno baby!  The Downtown River Run on April 30th!  Half marathon for me and the full for James!

And, so… the adventure continues…

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Happy Trails!

Thinking Out Loud Thursday

I’m kind of in the mood to babble about nothing in particular, so I’m linking up with Amanda from Running With Spoons for TOLT.  Thanks Amanda for the creative outlet!!

thinking-out-loud.jpg1.  Winter Munchies.  Ella at Instinctive Fails talks about how animals fatten themselves up for the winter, so maybe humans do too?  I’ve decided I’m going to adopt that theory to explain my winter weight gain.  Think about it… our ancestors probably did have to bulk up to stay warm in the winter just as animals do.  So it would make perfect sense that our bodies instinctively store fat for the winter.  Well, it sounds good anyway. It has absolutely nothing to do with the extra cookies or fudge or egg nog that I treat myself to during the holidays… it’s really just pure instinct.  Necessary for survival.  During the holidays.

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2.  Pinterest.  Yes, I’m older and not so social media savvy, but I just don’t get it!  I want to understand it, I really do, but right now I just can’t wrap my head around it.  What is the purpose?  What does one do on Pinterest?  It sounds like something Microsoft came up with before it released Windows 8 so everyone could get used to the idea of “pinning” things.  Or did Microsoft copy Pinterest?  Ooooo, conspiracy theory perhaps?  I should probably consult my 11-year-old and figure out how to use Pinterest.  No, actually, I think I need to watch a YouTube video on the ins and outs of Pinterest.  Is there a book out there called Pinterest for Dummies?

3.  I’ve noticed quite a few people have created the illusion of snow falling on their blogs.  May I just say this is a super cool feature!  I would love to have snow falling all over my blog during the holidays and winter months.  But why didn’t I get the memo on how to make the snow fall?  Can anyone tell me how this is done?

pass closed

4.  And speaking of snow falling, I hope no one is trying to get to Seattle via I-90.  I’m of the understanding that parts of the pass are closed.  For weeks I heard how mild our winter was going to be because we had such a hot summer and El Nino is going to last until 2016, blah, blah, blah, but noooo, we’ve had one storm system after another come in and practically drown us.  Did you hear that the governor of Washington has declared a state of emergency because of all our rain?  We haven’t got snow where I live, only rain (#thankful), but it makes for some pretty awful training runs, whether they’re on the trail or on the treadmill.  I’m so sick of running on the treadmill.  Ugh.  Ohhh wellll… suck it up, buttercup. You’ve still got a few weeks of training left.

5.  Meep.  He’s a cat.  To the Nth degree.  I don’t have much to say about him other than I really just wanted to share some silly pictures of him that I’ve taken recently.  (shameless plug, I know)

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Step awayyy from the tree…

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He probably had done something wrong which is why he’s showing me his tummy… or just stretching, he’s probably really just stretching… he sooo needs to be messed with…

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6.  And finally, the above is just a small sampling of how I’ve been preparing myself for winter survival.  And the holidays.  Yeah, I’m definitely going to say it’s total instinct.

I’ve babbled enough for today.  Do you have anything to babble about?  How does your body prepare for survival through the winter?  Got snow?  On your blog?  Got a cat that you love to mess with?

 

One Word Photo Challenge – Winter

 

 

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On Frozen Pond

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You’re going to be waiting for that bus for a long, long time because it ain’t coming!

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The big freeze in Lake Stevens, WA, 2009.

In response to One Word Photo Challenge:  Winter by Jennifer Nichole Wells.