Sunset Wednesday evening...

Well, that was a bit more of an adventure than I planned on! I'd had it with people by this evening, so we headed for the mountain in the hopes of peace and a sunset. Chatted with a kid on the trail who felt the same way! 

We got our wish, but it was followed quickly by a wicked thunderstorm. The dogs were freaking out, so I stayed calm for their sake and came up with a plan. We just needed to dodge lightning, run like hell, and make it to the pit toilet(about 1/2 mile away) for shelter. And we did.

Needless to say we got completely drenched and have another story for that book! I texted Ike and he said I bet it was kinda cool, no matter how dangerous it was. He wasn't wrong. He knows how much his mother loves storms. I think I'll enjoy the next one from the safety of my porch though!

Anyone understand the significance of this pole? Besides the fact that it's my turn around point...

I'm so happy to see their sunshiny faces!

Patrice joined us for our walk today!

Ed & George joined me & Buffy at the Dearborn Forest this afternoon. We canicrossed the loop trail and canihiked over Dumplington Hill(the height of land). It was challenging and my legs are gonna be feeling it tomorrow!

I love the mountains decals on cars, but this one took it a step further. It made me chuckle!

I couldn't wait another minute for flowers, so I stopped on the way home from work and picked up some pansies!

YES!! I've been waiting a month for that run that just feels easier, like you could keep going, but you've hit the mileage on the schedule for that day. Thanks to George's help, we just had that run! We settled into an easy pace where I could breathe and relax and enjoy it. Up until now everything has felt so damned hard, but I have been determined to push through. I've got goals!

Now mind you - the set up was there. I put a plan into place, and it worked. Obviously George does provide assistance with his slight tug on the line, so there's that. Also, yesterday's run was wicked difficult - long, hilly, and I was pushing to get to the other side of the pond in time for the sunset. So, that definitely helped to make today's flat trail feel easier. Whatever it takes. I finally feel like I'm making progress!

I had a million reasons(excuses) not to go for this run tonight - too tired, too busy, too sore, too blah, blah, blah...wicked glad I went anyway. We enjoyed another spectacular sunset! Today's scheduled run was 4 miles, so we headed to our favorite loop trail, around Tower Hill Pond. Somehow it's been 3 years since we've run it, so I'm feeling pretty good about that. Despite the challenges, it's so nice to get into a training plan for myself! 

This evening I did something I haven't dared to do - I hooked myself up to both dogs. But, I modified it for my safety. The last time I tried this, it was very painful, so this time I hooked Buffy up by her collar, which is generally frowned upon. When I hook her up in a harness beside George they think they're pulling a sled and I get dragged. I clipped to Buffy's collar because she doesn't pull against it, whereas George would choke himself. This actually worked well and we had a fun run into the sunset, which was gorgeous! 

Happy birthday George! (And your sister Ginger, too!)

If you're not underneath the camper with a roll of duct tape in the rain in a McDonald's parking lot, are you really even vacationing? 🤣

This afternoon my niece spent some time schooling her horse, Red. They're doing great working together!

Tonight we saw Max McNown play a show at the Ryman in Nashville. I'm so glad I got to share this experience with them. It was awesome!

This was my nephew's first practice since his foot injury. He was in his glory!

I got a hug from Lava Man!

Early morning workout at Keeneland Racetrack...so cool to be there soaking it all in!

Ed decided to bow out after 24 hours. His body was not prepared enough to go any further without risking injury. I'm proud of him for making such a wise decision, which can be hard to do in the heat of the event! (He walked in from this lap with eventual winner after 64 laps, Harry Subertas.)

Today they're running in the Capitol Backyard Ultra! Even hour, on the hour, they will line up to start a 4.126 mile lap, until they can't line up again. Here we go!

I've never really wanted to do one of these before, but I saw the little shop in the antique building and was intrigued. Then I noticed that the shop was empty, and thought, "Why not?" It was actually quite fun, and I rather like this portrait of us. I still can't believe he agreed to it...

First adventure with Angus of the '26 season!

Don't my son and his wife look absolutely beautiful? They're so happy and just glowing with it! As much as I love this portrait, the next one is my favorite...

🤣 It makes me laugh!

The trails at Mast Road Natural Area weren't as runnable today (lots of snow & ice), but the sunshine was wonderful. My legs were awfully tired anyway, so they didn't mind walking more than running!

I guess if Buffy doesn't mind the weather, them neither do I. She wasn't keen on going in the water, though! Brrrr...

By the time we were running back to the car it was snowing! Ayiyi...

George really didn't want to go down on the dog bed, so he made himself fit into the tiny bit of couch that was left!

It was such a pretty night that we decided to drive out to Newcastle and check out the 2 lighthouses that usher ships into Portsmouth Harbor - Whaleback Lighthouse and Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. They always fascinate me. I had also read about the picture frame statue online at Great Island Common, and couldn't wait to show it to Ed 'cause you guys know we just love finding quirky things like that! 

Happy spring!

It was chilly out there this afternoon, so I climbed the hill first!

Tonight it was George's turn to run with me! I had to wait until I was feeling like my core was strong enough because he tends to pull harder than Buffy does. The wind was brutal, but we maintained a decent pace that kept us warm. There was only one section of ice that was of any concern. Yay!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Somehow we managed to squeeze almost all of us around the table!

Our family is expecting 3 babies! I'm so excited these cousins will all grow up together! Today we celebrated my never with a baby shower and it was so good to see everyone. ❤️