Over the river and through the flooded plains

like a drowned rat

Saturday morning was a gray, cold, and rainy one here in New Hampshire.  As I padded through the bay of the fire station towards my muffin I scowled at the wet parking lot.  We had another road race in a few hours and the weather was not going to be in our favor.  Actually it was in my favor because it sure beats 85 and humid.  We did this race with Megan and Phoebe.  I have to thank Karen for her picture taking skills while holding an umbrella!  It was a surprisingly refreshing course that took as the name of the race stated over the river and through the woods.  I got to see a neat little part of Concord that I never knew was there.  One part of the course made me stop just to take in the sight of the lush green carpet and the tall pines looming overhead as far as the eye could see.  It was breathtaking.

Meg, me, and John trying to stay dry

I have seem to have lost my mojo for most things this past week as I have been plowing through the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy.  I have maybe knit three rows on my sweater and forget running.  I did manage one day on the treadmill this week.  I definitely wasn't feeling the best this morning after a shortened night at the fire station.  The cops had us out at 1am putting out an illegal campfire.  I did my race pacing Megan and even got her a PR.    It felt good to be out there with her.  We talked the whole time and I am not normally someone who likes to run and talk.  Guess that means we should hang out together more often.

apres race

Woke up on Sunday to another cloudy gray day.  After John got home from the station we headed up to Franklin to have breakfast at Ralph and Jo's Cafe.  Excellent place run by Rebecca and Brandy Underwood.  We'll be back for lunch!  We did our grocery shopping on the way home and then it became the lazy Sunday on the couch day.  Perfect weather for finishing my book and then enjoying a nap.  I did manage to get the top of my sweater completed as well.  All in all, despite the rain, it was the perfect weekend surrounded by good friends and great books.

A day off?? What's that?

I am taking a well deserved day off while John and his hiking buddy (the small dog) are off early again.  He is working his way through the Belknaps this weekend, but I just needed a day of doing not too much.  That and the amount of ticks he pulled off the two of them left me not wanting to go play in the woods.  I have a bike ride planned and hopefully I will make it more than 5 miles before I feel the need to turn around and head home.

Had a great day of golf yesterday.  It was a bit too hot for my liking and 18 holes seemed to take forever in the 90 degree heat.  We are back to normal seasonal temps today and I wish all the runners taking part in Boston's Run to Remember a great race.  Our next race is on June 2 up in Concord and I will be running with Megan and John.  That is one is part of the Capital Area Race series.  Then I believe we may have two weeks off until the Bow Lake 5k.  I really wanted to do the 15k, but we have beach cleanup early that morning and thought better of the extra miles.

my golf team

Colleen and I have one week until we make the decision to do our sprint tri.  I definitely think it is doable at this point.  I just haven't been in the water yet this year.  The pond may still be a little cold for that.  But I did dig out my bathing suit this morning and I just need to get the nerve up to hit the water.


The bike ride turned out beautifully this morning.  There was a nice chill in the air and I did 14 miles around Barnstead before returning home.  My next plan is to go sit outside and enjoy this wonderful weather because from what I hear it's all over after today!  I am okay with a lousy holiday forecast since I will be stuck at work for the day.  So enjoy!

Monday Musings

our room with a view

I am exhausted!  Plain and simple, the weekend wore me out.  Busy week ahead with something going on just about every night this week and will wind down on Saturday with a benefit golf tournament.  Yup, I will be sharing clubs with Bonnie and we are going to rock it!

So I figured I would add more pictures from our weekend voyage.  We did have a good time even though I may pay for it during the next few days as my one million black fly bites start to heal.  I am that person who gets a bug bite and the swelling/itch lasts for almost two weeks.  It's wonderful having such a good immune system response!  But I did take the dog out this afternoon when I got home from work and I think it may be safe to that our black fly season is over.  Careful...I don't want to say that too loud because they might come back.

Mt. Washington

Scout seems to have recovered from the hike and even played a rousing game of whiffle ball with me when I first got home.  At least the sun was still shining then!  Now the clouds have taken over and it looks like more rain will be upon us.  Yet the outlook for the end of the week and the holiday weekend looks like great weather.  I am just hoping to get a couple of runs in during the chaos that is this week.  We have yet another 5k next Saturday on June 2.  My friend Megan will be joining us for that grand time.

We got out of our sleeping bags and someone decided she wanted to go back to bed!

Then it will be onto training for a sprint tri with Colleen during the first week of July.  Hopefully the pond water will warm up with the nicer weather that we have been having.  It's a small pond and it tends to warm up pretty fast, but I would love to get some serious swimming.  Got the bike already and I just need to force myself out onto that too.  But I am going to take the next two days to let my sore body re-charge.

And it's only Thursday.

Got back to the old running grind yesterday.  The IT bands still hurt, but had to keep running due the voracious mosquitoes that chased us home.  The humid weather felt more like July or August and I can say that I am definitely not used to running in warmer weather.  I didn't think we were going to get a run in because we were under a severe storm watch and as I was tying up my shoes I swore I heard thunder.

The storms did hold off until around 9pm last night.  We got to watch a vivid light show as the storms rolled in.  It's one of the times that I can I say I enjoying living on top of a hill.  We sat out on our porch until the rain started and then we made a quick retreat back into the house.  The first storm passed quickly without a lot of close lightning.  The second storm hit around 11pm and that rocked the house a few times.

This morning dawned with cool, clear blue sky.  Even the birds sounded happier than they did the past few mornings.  Mr. Cardinal started serenading us before 5am.  I know because I looked over at the clock.  Fortunately I had the day off and if we don't find another OT soon who knows when I will have my next day off.  Got John's sweater almost done and finished another book this afternoon.  Even managed to put away my new stash of yarn and mow the lawn.

Very thankful for the change of weather...now hopefully it will hold out in the mountains this weekend as I take in my first overnight hike.  From what I gather I could be in for a long day on Sunday!

Monday Musing...the curse of the bad running pics is no more!

I felt quite back to normal the day after my half with only a minor ache coming from my back.  The husband and I headed off early on Sunday morning to the NH Sheep and Wool Festival.  I know you can barely contain your envy, but I got some great sock yarn and we sat in on a working dog demo (my dog needs more chores).  Great morning with pretty new yarn to add to my stash upstairs.

The afternoon was spent building two new plant beds out by the shed.  We planted 6 strawberry plants, some rosemary, and some other type of perennial in those beds.  Then I added five more strawberry plants to pots and also planted a well established container tomato plant.  John got the backyard spread with loam and did some grass seeding.  That was our day of rest and relaxation in a nutshell.   And then we had a lovely dinner with Mom for Mother's Day.  Of course, we had to eat at our new table.  We would've eaten on the deck had the black flies not been so ravenous.

Our three day stretch of nice weather is over and it's back to the standard issue Monday gloom.  I am just about ready to run again, but I need to let my new chafed areas heal up before I do.  Today's shout out has to go to my dear friend, Josh Gibney, who actually took some decent running pics of me.  Ok so I was goofing off, but what else is new?!  They were great race day photos and that just doesn't happen for me.  And this shot was taken just before mile 12.  I was looking and feeling pretty good.  So I guess with this pic, there goes the curse of bad running photos.  I don't look like I am in pain or tired.  I did almost fall right after he took the picture because my legs were saying enough, but I managed to hobble on and finish the rest of the race.

2012 Big Lake Half Marathon

heading for the end!

What a beautiful day to run!  The weather started off seasonably chilling with temps in the upper 30s and it was a crystal clear day.  I'd say it was nearing 70 at the end of the race with a breeze rolling off of the lake.  As I drove off the hill that we live on, I was enveloped in fog and then just like that drove out of it as I headed past the four lakes on the way to Alton.  It was bright blue sky without a cloud to be seen.  I did eat my fair share of black flies and one almost choked me as it went down the wrong pipe.  The only downside to the half today was that I got very cold around mile 7 and the goosebumps stayed with me until the end.  I didn't feel off except that I was cold.  It took a hot shower, some food, caffeine, and a nap to get me back to feeling normal. I am sure the two Advil didn't hurt either.

Steve-O and I at the finish

I managed to avoid all the orange cones (for those who know my history with cones, this is a BIG deal) that were all over Alton as I went to park my truck and narrowly avoided rear ending an SUV at the Alton Circle first thing this morning.  The driver was pulling a scene right out of National Lampoon's European Vacation..."Hey kids, look there's Big Ben!"  Then she suddenly stopped mid circle to try to let traffic onto the circle from Rt 11 not realizing she had the right of way.  Thankfully I was awake enough to hit the brakes and my horn.

EndorFun puts on a great race at the Big Lake and if anyone wants a fun, well-organized race then give this one a try.  The proceeds of this race benefit the New Hampshire Make a Wish Foundation.  The aid stations are well done and the post race food is great.  Mmmm Jordan's ice cream!

I'd like to thank my fans (Megan, Karen, Max, and Andrik) for their support, tissues, and pictures!  I also have to thank Pat O'Brien at Alton Fire for tissues early this morning before I ran past Megan.  Damn allergies kept me coughing and sputtering most of the day!  And of course, a big shout out to Steve-O who ran with me today and then scampered up Mt. Major after.  I managed to finish in 2:22 by my Garmin.  That's only four minutes off of 2011 and given the warm temps, I think it was a darn good effort!

FO -Friday (Finished object = race day fun)

So here we are, it's Friday May 11 and I am getting ready to go pick up my number and shirt for the Big Lake Half.  The weather looks like it will be a tad on the warm side during the latter part of the run after a chilly start.  My poor chafed back is just about healed and am still not sure what to do about it on race day.  It's going to open right back up for sure, but hopefully I can lube up good in the AM and it will be kept at bay.  I have my "Steve-O Warning" shirt on to welcome him to our home for our pre-race festivities.  It's my favorite with the hare laying on the ground full of smoking holes and the tortoise has a giant missile launcher strapped to his back as he passes by.  Take heed my friend!  And I will see you at the finish line!

Racing through the week

Had my second race meeting tonight and we are well on our way to putting on a great 5k on August 25th.  I will be getting the sponsor letters out later this week and we are working on getting race posted on Cool Running.  This is my favorite website to check out potential races and register.  If I can't register online then chances are I won't run the race.  In all the years I have been running I have only done three races that I hadn't registered for online.  That being said, I want to make our 5k super simple to register and be a part of.

Due to my race meeting, I was not able to get to knit night this evening.  Unfortunately I have too many distractions at home so I can never get in two hours of uninterrupted time with my sticks and string.  Tonight it was stopping to check out Ravelry and then to work on my blog instead of knitting.  My right wrist has been a little sore from the crazy hours I spent on Sunday resting my legs and doing some serious work on my current project.  I have one sleeve almost completed and only one to go.  I already have my next two projects lined up and am waiting patiently for Knitpicks order to arrive.  I will be putting together short sleeved Henley for myself and then a wrap cardigan to wear this fall.  Finally sweaters that I can customize to my short stature.  

Well I guess it's back to the knitting grind cause my bed will be calling my name before long.  Hopefully the low battery light on the Kindle will stay off until just before it's time for lights out.  And the countdown is on for the Big Lake.  Looking forward to my post races dinner that I made a special request for with Mandy and Hunter. So excited for the savory crepes!

Monday Musings

I do a lot in my every day life to express my creative side.  The obvious being is my knitting, but I have also developed a love of baking.  Thank goodness for the internet because thousands of recipes and ideas are right at my fingertips.  I recently came upon the Brown Eyed Baker when I was looking for new and interesting recipes.  I will definitely be venturing back there when I need some inspiration for future creations.  For cinco de mayo I made the margarita cupcakes.  These adult only tasty looking little treats were  something I could handle and I was not to be disappointed.  For a less mature audience the tequila can be left out of the frosting and you could skip brushing the warm cupcakes with tequila.  Seriously it's only two tablespoons used in the frosting for all 12.  But I can proudly say I finished off a bottle while putting these together.  Thanks to a few friends who have a serious love for margaritas I had two additional bottles waiting in the wings.  However, John doctored them a little and added a rim of salt like you would to a margarita glass...next time we will skip the salt and use sugar instead.

My favorite kitchen appliance is my Kitchen Aid mixer.  This is hands down the best kitchen gift I have ever received.  The only other appliance that gets more use is my food processor.  Now that I have had my mixer for a few years I want some of the attachments like the pasta maker.  The whisk and the dough hook came with it and those are great additions.  But who wouldn't want the taste of homemade pastas?!  Ahh the night before the Big Lake would really become an event!

Got up and early on my Sunday morning thanks to my pager activating as John's alarm clock started to ring.  He was heading with his little dog to do the Hancocks and I was going to sleep in just a bit.  Then the pager went off a second time and I was up for good.  It was a beautiful morning along the Suncook River with the fog hanging down in the valley and the sky a mix of high clouds and blue sky.  Finally a return to nicer weather even if it is only for a few days.  Overall it was a wonderful morning to get in my last long run.  I took a very scenic route that had nice views of the Belknaps and then I followed a small river through the woods on my way back home.

Springtime

My Smokey Bear tulips

So spring decided to be sprung here in Barnstead.  I left for my conference and most of my daffs weren't even open. The little tulips to the left were only purchased because of their name.  Yup, the fire service even invades my gardens!   I came home to my tulips up and my lilies well on their way.  My lilies are all transplants from the lovely Carol Troy and from Malcolm.  Carol dropped hers off in some fly by night operation only to have to come back when she thought she lost her pager in the piles of dirt she left in my yard.  The trees have really started to leaf out and we even saw flowers on our wild blueberry bushes tonight.  I have been wondering what happened to my really big red tulips whose heads were laying on the lawn next to the stems, but I think a small little white dog and the husband had something to do with that.  There has been a lot of whiffle ball being played at my house.  It's our version of "Calvin Ball" and Scout happens to be our catcher and outfielder all at the same time.  She seems to enjoy her multiple roles.

Got in another run this evening.  That's two days in a row and felt much better tonight than yesterday.  Also got our new table and four of our chairs.  Still waiting on the sideboard and the farmer's bench.  In the whole time that we have been married we have been using a table from my dear friend Mindy.  I can remember sitting at this table in late high school and early college in her parents' kitchen when they still lived in Hampton.  Some great times have been had at this table.  I do most of my blogging and craft work on it as well.  One year someone decided he should be a mummy for Halloween and managed to cover the surface in spray adhesive.  That took some serious scrubbing to get it off.  It's really well built and I am a little sad to see it go, but we need to expand our seating.  Bring on the dinner parties at chez Savage!

Guess I'll be off to get some knitting in.  Still working on the bottom ribbing for the Henley sweater.  Really 2.5 inches seems like something I could get through in a night if life didn't keep getting in the way.  I'd really like to get it done in the next week so I can start my next project.  Cause honestly once the weather warms up this girl really doesn't want to be sitting under a pile of wool!