Cable!

Here's a picture of a great scarecrow made of veggies at the Fall Festival in Cable, WI!!!

Window to...

Been busy after vacation was over... Maybe that's because school started the very next day??? Anyway, I'll stick a new picture on here... This is from Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg, IL.

Relaxing

Had a massage Monday, so I didn't exercise yesterday (had a meeting at work and then taught my class at night anyway), then I lifted book after book after BIG book today for four hours before I rode to Danada. I walked with my camera. Taking a non-deserved vacation in two days, so I'm just still relaxing here, enjoying life! So check out this picture of the great curly-cue in the weeds/wildflowers today. More pics when I get back!

Train!

Yesterday, I rode on my road bike from the campground, and did an out-and-back ride on the Glacial Drumlin Trail. At the far end, I crossed the tracks to see the bridge, then I heard the train. Freight, of course, and no way was I going to get in front of it (when I could see it) with my bike shoes on to cross back to the trail. LONG story short, I went on one of the cars to get across it once it STOPPED on the trail. Such a rush (even though it was totally safe and stopped)!!! My way back was so much faster than the way out because of the adrenaline! Here's a picture of the train once it started moving again (after I helped three other bikers across).

"New" Trail

Trying to re-create the Michigander, Cathy and I biked today on the North Branch Trail near Skokie. Here are the differences... it was all paved, there were many street crossings, many people, many curves in the trail, no SAG stops, no guys with us, beautiful weather, and a bee sting. The plusses of this ride? It was an easy 30 miles, it was beautiful weather, and there was a car waiting at the end -- no need to pitch a tent! :-)

Catch Up

Today is a catch up day. Cleaning up the house, doing dishes, laundry, moving the computer back to the office, printing out important papers for tomorrow's class. I teach my first class for Benedictine in a year - new class, though - Children's Literature! One of my favorite subjects! I've been working like crazy on the computer this last week trying to finalize and touch-up lesson plans. But for today, I've finalized session one (tomorrow's class), and I'm proud to have that under my belt. At any rate, it's been storming/raining her off and on, so I haven't exercised yet today, but I've gotten so much accomplished around the house. It makes me feel good to have made a dent!

Go Green

Yesterday I was able to get to the forest preserve without my car to go for a quality walk. Then today I was able to bike to the store for a shower gift and then to the Farmer's Market. It was my very first Farmer's Market, and I enjoyed it. I even got an eggplant (for???). I have to tell you an "Awww" story today. On the corner of Higgins and Roselle, a big man from a big truck stopped a bit of traffic to rescue a tiny kitten cowering in the road. AWWWW! It was an adorable sight, and I only wish I'd had a camera ready. Instead, you get this picture of the market merchandise. All this for $12.25, and I saved $4.14 in gas today. I also picked up a sticker (from the Bike Safety Council) that says "It's cool to wear a helmet." I put it on my bike, and on the part you peel off is a coupon for a free small drink or fries from McDonald's. What a lovely morning!