Hot Day

Today was HOT HOT HOT. So... I won't bore you with the beginning of my day, but the end of my day was baby-sitting for R & R. It was fun because they want to talk about EVERYTHING! So, here's just a cute picture of them walking away from me on the sidewalk. Of course, when we were done, their faces were pink and their hair was stuck to their heads because of the sweat! But they enjoyed the walk as well!

Rollin'

Well, I got out on roller skis three times last week, and this is the start of my second week of getting out on them. I rolled behind the boys at Danada, double poling. Then they turned around and I did the simple loop at the end and came back on my own. I have to remember that this is so important for me to do, so that I can enjoy REAL skate skiing in December! This pic shows how I need the knee pads, and I also have elbow pads -- I'm still wobbly!

Run, Twins, Banjo

Today I had a rough run to the p's house (only because I was expecting 69 degrees, but it was HOT), but the run back was good. Averaged 9:55/mi total, so I was very satisfied with that - five miles, too. Makes me feel like I accomplished something. Then I took Mom over to see the twins. This picture just shows one showing off -- he loves to have his picture taken, too! They are so adorable when they say, "Aunt Joy, read book please," or when they repeat something you said that could be taken the wrong way! They are sponges! They even knew what the banjo case was! Then I had my last banjo lesson with Chris. I am very appreciative of the way he could answer all my questions and how he got me off to a really good start playing. I thoroughly enjoy practicing and it's even become somewhat of an obsession -- I fall asleep thinking about the notes at times!

Two Visits

Today I went to Karen's shower and had fun creating cards at Archiver's. What a great shower idea! It was good to see her so elated and excited about her upcoming marriage. This picture is NOT of a card that I made, but one made by ?? and it's very admirable (that's why I took the picture)! Anyway, making cards with friends is loads of fun, and I'm going to keep making cards (because I have most of the supplies, too)!

Parade Plus

Today we saw the parade with the in-laws. (Thus, the picture here. Of course, it's a BIKE!) Parades aren't my cup of tea, but it did make me want to get out and exercise! So... later we went to Herrick Lake and roller skied a bit. I actually was on them for an hour! That's excellent for my level. And, on one hill where I needed more speed reducers, I didn't get to them in time, so I really imagined being on snow, and that helped immensely. Every time we get out on those skis, I realize the benefits... That's why I'm putting it in writing, I guess, so I can stay motivated to get on them again.

Camping

Ahhh... I haven't been camping in a WEEK now.  How nice it is to sleep in a BED!  Anyway, we booked our Fourth of July week for next year today.  We'll be at Peninsula State Park in Wisconsin once again with friends.  The park is BE-YOU-TI-FUL.  It's got mountain biking, road biking, paddling, swimming, running, hiking, and good eating.  (Fish Creek Market sandwiches or Dippy's ice cream -- YUM!)  You can get superb pictures at the park, as well.  We won't have an electric site, but we learned how to book it for next year... That's a secret I won't tell.  :-)  One reason I exercise -- to be able to take full advantage of what this park has to offer!

Skellig

I had a wonderful bike ride this morning -- beautiful weather and a good speed on my mountain bike - all because I was determined!  Then I was able to play with the twins this afternoon.  You walk in the door and they say, "Take off shoes, come in play area?"  They're TWO (and two months).  SO ADORABLE.  I was also able to find time to practice the banjo and read an adolescent book, Skellig.  I'd heard about it before, but now I know "the rest of the story."  It was moving for me and I'm glad I was able to finish it in just about one sitting.  I love quick children's books.

So, there was a second half to today... I went to "Mt. Trashmore" and walked up it with poles, then down, then up, then down, etc. # 4, 6, 8, and 10 I "bounded" up (just jogging, really) and was WIPED! HR of 178 at the top! Good for my heart, that's for sure - there sure is recovery built in as we were walking down the hill. On the very left of the picture, way at the bottom is a man that commented to me about my picture-taking (which I did after the hill X 10). He said that photography is one of the greatest hobbies -- you enjoy taking the pictures, then you enjoy seeing them for the first time, and you keep enjoying them every time you take them out and look at them. How TRUE!

Forerunner 305

I was convinced to get a Garmin this summer, and I love it. On my run this morning (66 degrees), it helped me to go a little bit farther, because I knew I wouldn't have to worry about figuring out the distance, because the Garmin does it for me. I kept my heart rate down, and my pace steady, all because I'm a numbers gal. The Garmin gives me LOTS of numbers to play with!

Banjo with the Elks

Today I made cards with the gals from work, then went to the forest preserve to practice my banjo before my lesson.  I was lucky enough to catch all the elk out eating!  Again, photography is best when it's not planned, and this was a great day for it.  In this picture, the mom was wondering why I would want a picture of her fawn suckling!  When I was finished taking pictures, I sat in the shade of a tree to practice my banjo.  Ahh... What a day.  Card making, then picture taking, then banjo playing!

Simply Running

Went for a four-mile run today on the Great Western Trail. Started at the Clintonville Station (model trains), and went south. Heart rate was high, but I haven't run with T in a LONG time. It was nice to go through the grueling heat (only 83 but VERY humid) together. Crushed rock, with some puddles from this morning's rain. Why I liked this run -- legs felt strong.

Monarch in Door County

One passion of mine is photography (although I don't spend tons of time with it...) This is a monarch butterfly on a milkweed plant at Tennison Bay in Peninsula State Park in Door County. I had lots of time, as my husband wasn't with me for three days, so I sat and was patient enough to catch a few pictures. Why do I love photography? You can catch precious moments in an instant!

Michigander 2008

When I got back from the Michigander this year, I decided to create a blog to show WHY I like to do the things I need to keep doing. One reason to continue biking is this trip. My husband encouraged me to go last year, and it was such a difficult thing for me to be on my own. However, it turns out I made some great friends to have one week a year. It's great to ride with people of basically the same ability and tastes, and then great to socialize with different people everyday. To get served breakfast and dinner, and not worry about what you're going to eat... To get up early and not waste the morning chill, and then go to bed early... But the best part is these people in the picture here. I am grateful I am able to be independent enough to go and enjoy the ride, along with the company. And then it's nice to be home in a bed with a bathroom nearby!