Virtual Running Buddies week o' May 7

[VictoriaL]

Good morning, all!

Robyn, thanks for the instructions on using the saline spray. I used it today after my run and I was not stuffy overnight at all. And you could practically see the pollen suspended in the air yesterday…
Hope that you’re feeling better by now.

Kathy enjoy your “rest” (better word- “non-running”) day today and much luck on this weekend’s activities!

Susan I have heard how gorgeous Door County is—have a great time while you’re there. And safe travels.

Jennifer I hate riding on roads, so we stick to the rails-to-trails systems. Hope that you heal quickly from your spill.

Nat only a walk yesterday? You ol’ slacker! :p Yes, I watched the game. Wish it had ended after the first 5 minutes of the first period, though!

Les, oh my, this really is it! The end, then a new beginning. Are there any butterflies about all of this?

Well, my doc decided to prescribe an inhaled corticosteroid to help open my airways. This problem is absolutely the result of allergies since on Sunday night we had a lot of rain, and when I saw her on Monday I was hardly wheezing at all (even though, the day before, my breathing was more labored than I had been for quite some time) . Unfortunately I took the prescription to Sam’s and was told that the refill would be over $150. :eek: Luckily I have another week + of the trial product which the doctor gave me, and I will ask her to prescribe something else, a generic, to use after the trial is used up. I also am now taking an antihistamine as well (which, bringing up money again, really irks me since the Singulair which I take every day costs me $122 a month and I have to supplement it. At that price, the prescription drug should do it all, right???). I don’t remember allergies ever being a catalyst in my asthma problems before this year, but it has been pretty bad out there. Don’t you love it when things just “happen”?!

Enough complaining about allergies, though. I took a wonderfully long run yesterday this afternoon, over 50 minutes. What a gorgeous day it was—temps in the high 70’s, the honeysuckle is in full bloom now (yes, I was taking deep lungfuls of that heavy, sweet scent and didn’t care if it would cause me to wheeze!), the trees were all a lovely light green (“spring green”) color, and blue skies were smilin’ at me! :) Alas, today is to be stormy later and only highs in the mid-50’s for the weekend. Spring.

Hope that you all are planning fun times this weekend, no matter what the weather! Kathy with her two runs and, Les, many thoughts to you as you wrap up this phase of your life and prepare for the next one (I'm envious!).

[Robyn1007]

Vicci so glad you got a longer run in and that the nasal spray seems to help!

Les sounds like exciting announcements will come soon! Crossing my fingers for you.

Jennifer so sorry to hear about the crash!

Sorry to drop off again. After being sick on Tuesday the rest of the week got away from me. Wednesday we did hill repeats again. The good news, I added a 4th repeat on this hill and afterward added in an extra 1.5 mile cool down instead of just barely eeking out .5. The bad news, at the end on of my fellow runners said "Robyn, you looked really strong but your breathing! I thought you might keel over with all the wheezing you were doing!" Ugh, allergy season is definitely here. Guess I'm going to have to start bringing my inhaler to the hill workouts. This does not make me happy.

I skipped my recovery run last night for no real good reason other than the fact that I had packed a white background running skirt and it was raining. Didn't think that was such a good idea so I'll get it in tonight. I'm only scheduled for 3 tomorrow so I don't mind the back to backs in that case. My body definitely feels that I didn't get it in. Much more sore than I'm used to.

Sunday is my last ski day of the season. I've got friends here from as far away as Ontario and NYC. Should be a good time. Then it'll be time to put summer wax on all the boards and hang them up until October. The ski season will begin around the same time as my half marathon. Good timing.

I really need to sit down with my coach and have a conversation about the best strategies to get me ready for the half. I'll be buying her plan and group workouts but I'm a little nervous about the mileage increase, how much I should do and what my expectations should be.

[VictoriaL]

I spent today outside, in this glorious spring weather, and as I weeded the wildflower bed lining the driveway I noticed that the Jack-in-the-Pulpit are blooming. I have decided that:

In honor of our VRB, on his final week in the Seminary, I shall hereby rename this flower

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4587443313_2ffb9e8f92_m.jpg



Les-in-the-Pulpit
:D

[Robyn1007]

Your day sounds delightful Vicci!

I had a stressful Friday which is about the norm. I cover for our other inside salesperson on Fridays and I often am flying by the seat of my pants on issues and today was no different. On top of that I have another guy that I work with who just doesn't quite get the need for attention to detail and the irritation that some things cause cause customers. ARGH!

So, to relieve the stress I decided to go for an easy run around Wonderland Lake. This little lake is up by my aunt and uncle's place but because they've been living in Florida for the last 10 months I've not been up there to run in forever. It was so gorgeous up there! It's right against the foothills which are so green right now and the ducks were all over the place. I ran by one lady mallard who was not happy with me! At the very end of the run I looked over to find 4 deer grazing in the meadow. Gosh, I live in such a beautiful place and am so thankful that I've found such a healthy stress reliever!

On another note, it was 2 years this month that I really committed to fitness and started a workout schedule. In the past I've picked it up for a month or two or three then eventually let it drop off. Over the last 2 years though the only time I've taken off was the month I had surgery last summer. It feels incredibly good to have become one of those people who is always out doing some sort of exercise. It is so rewarding physically, mentally and spiritually. I am a lucky, lucky girl!

[Leslie Ferguson]

...I noticed that the Jack-in-the-Pulpit are blooming. I have decided that:

In honor of our VRB, on his final week in the Seminary, I shall hereby rename this flower

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4587443313_2ffb9e8f92_m.jpg



Les-in-the-Pulpit
:D

((Kicking a stone)) Awwww shucks!

Not much going on today - non-class things are picking up at school. Tonight was a service for the families of the graduating class, a commissioning and then dinner. Also prepped for tomorrow's yard sale to get rid of a bunch of junk before moving.

Maybe a ride tomorrow if I can put the finishing touches on my sermon after the sale.

Happy trails and have a great weekend.
Les

[TKay]

I spent today outside, in this glorious spring weather, and as I weeded the wildflower bed lining the driveway I noticed that the Jack-in-the-Pulpit are blooming. I have decided that:

In honor of our VRB, on his final week in the Seminary, I shall hereby rename this flower

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4587443313_2ffb9e8f92_m.jpg



Les-in-the-Pulpit
:D

I love this.

Once again, I have very little time. I feel so selfish, only posting updates about me, me, me. I did get in a couple of good workouts at the end of the week. Not sure what's in store for today or tomorrow. I hope to have time to post personal replies at long last. In the meantime, have a great weekend, all! And a special day tomorrow to all our mothers. :)

[Natasha]

Vicci, that is inspired! :D Great photo, too. What a pain about the allergies, though. Are you watching tonight's game? Funny comment about the first five minutes of the last game. I only saw a few minutes of it. I plan to see more tonight. I like both teams and would be happy either way, but I would do much better in my hockey pool if the Pens won ;)

TKay, good job on your workouts. So a trip to Phoenix is in the cards, huh? Nice :)

Les, hope the sale went well and you and LW were able to divest yourselves of lots of stuff :) Good luck polishing the sermon. Did you ride?

Jennifer, going back to last week, nice job on your ride, too (though too bad about the fall :( ).

Robyn, good luck with your 1/2 marathon planning!

Hi to Kathy and Susan :)

It's freezing out - very gusty, and occasionally rainy. There's a bizarre system blowing through. Such a change from being hot and toasty at Mount Vernon just a week ago, enjoying the slight breeze off the river for a bit of refreshment! Anyone else "enjoying" this cold front? I like cool and cold but this is a bit much for May. No way was I riding in this, so I did a spin video and core. Much fun and great stress-busting, to use TKay's phrase. Earlier, I caught about 40 minutes of ITU triathlon coverage (the women's race from Seoul). It was a close race and good entertainment. Next week the men's race will be shown. CBC is showing more and more triathlons and marathons, so the ratings must support it. Good to see.

Take care, all!

[VictoriaL]

Nat, we, too, are having the same "unseasonable" weather as you are. It happened so suddenly, just yesterday I was outside, slathered in sunscreen. Weeding. :) And yes, the game is on now. Since we don't have cable, we're listening to it on the radio-- like in the good ol' days!

Gosh, I live in such a beautiful place and am so thankful that I've found such a healthy stress reliever!
I know exactly where you're comin' from! :D

Les, hope that you survived the yard sale, and that the weather there was a lot better than it was here. Good luck in your last Sunday as a Seminarian!

Tkay, but, really, isn't it always all about you???? :p

The day got away from me, but I didn't really want to run in this weather anyway. In addition to the morning stretches I also did weights for a while. I got my sewing machine back from the repair shop so I devised a new watchband out of ribbon and velcro for MIL (the metal links on her old watch were bruising her wrist); then I did a bunch of patching and repairing of clothes that were piling up. Made some bread, roasted a turkey, and made a pizza for dinner. Not a "hard" day (like yesterday was), but still, I'm beat!

So what is on tap for tomorrow, everyone? We're having dinner with MIL in the dining room at her complex (have I mentioned that the food there is quite surprisingly good?), but I'll call my Mom earlier in the day to thank her for raising me without going completely batty. :rolleyes: I'm hoping that Spooky makes me breakfast in bed...

[Robyn1007]

I'm hoping that Spooky makes me breakfast in bed...

If you figure that one out can you have Spooky clue Milo in? He's got the wake me up part down (this morning it was nudging my hand/face at 6:15am).

[Kathy B]

Quick note before we head out....the KCCC race yesterday was fun, and nice weather. The last half mile, though....talk about a "hill to die on"! :eek: And it had to be at the very end.... Oh, well. Times won't be posted until Monday, and most of us didn't happen to notice the clock way off to the right as we staggered across the finish line. :o

At least the MD 5k is relatively flat. "running" off to that. Thinking about just taking it at a leisurely pace after yesterday. I'll check back later.

Hope you all have a Happy Mother's Day with your loved ones today! :)

[Natasha]

Hi everyone! Happy Mother's Day to our mothers :) How were the breakfasts in bed prepared by cats? ;)

Les, how was your day at church today??? Enquiring minds want to know!

Kathy, you racing fiend :D How was today's race?

Robyn, congrats on your 2 year anniversary! Hard to believe it's been that long.

Vicci, good game last night - very exciting. :) I love listening to games on the radio! That's how I got into hockey as a teenager (yeah, we did have TV - I'm not that old :p).

Had a very fun, solid run today.

Hi to everyone else. Mom just called so I've gotta go. Right now DH is on the phone with her :)

Take care, everyone,
Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Beat, beat, beat...

It's been a great weekend, not much exercising but a fantastic couple days none the less. I survived the yard sale yesterday although it rained pretty steadily for about 15-20 minutes then got windy. Iwas concerned because there was a lot of stuff out on my tables and lots of stuff in boxes that wouldn't have done well getting wet.

My sermon prep didn't go all that well and that was compounded by trying to take care of some personal things before my last day at church (hair cut and settling things down for the day).

In the long run my sermon was fantastic - well received and got all the big topics included: baptsim (3 children), mother's day, our youth group car wash, and my departure. I even got a needed but not asked for present from the church - a collar case (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductLargeImage.aspx?pid=353981). It was a touching gift and one I wouldn't have thought of.

Finishing my last paper that's due tomorrow about noon then I"ll be done for good!

Exhausted from a very emotional but good day... happy trails,
Les

[VictoriaL]

Les, I had never heard of a collar case, and the link which you posted didn't work (for me), so here (http://www.aquinasandmore.com/catholic-gifts/Clerical-Collar-Case/sku/21216) is an alternate. Funny, I thought that it would be long and narrow! :)
What a thoughtful gift, though.

Okay, ready to write more but I was just "summoned"-- back later.

Happy Monday!

[jjsooner73]

Quick drive by here, as I'm at work a few minutes early.

Robyn, hard to believe it's been 2 years since your transformation began. :) Way to go!

Les, glad your sermon went well!

Natasha, though not as extreme as yours, our weather has been wacky too. Glad you got a good spin work out in.

Kathy, glad you had a nice race Saturday; hope you did yesterday as well (with no hills! :))

Hi Tkay, Susan, and Vicci!

I did a 10 mile run Saturday morning around a lake in OKC. It wasn't a bad run at all. Weather was cool and crisp. The wind picked up a bit at the end though. I felt good yesterday, so last night when I got home from my parents', I went out for a quick 30 minute run. I only got to 23 minutes and called it quits--my shins were very angry.

I realized Friday my right side was pretty sore from my wreck, but it's mostly gone now thank goodness! My DBF is taking my bike to the shop tomorrow to get it fixed and checked over, so I'm hoping to get it out for a long ride Saturday-probably a couple times around the same lake I ran Saturday, since they are great trails and I won't have to worry about crazy drivers.

I hope all of you mothers had a wonderful Mother's Day!

[SusanMac]

Zooom.....fly by!

We returned last night from a long weekend in Door County WI with the in-laws. They are fun & I love them, but I am so exhausted and looking forward to some quiet time. Alas, I get on a plane this afternoon for London. Wish me luck....that darn volcanic ash is at it again!

I didn't get in a single workout on my trip. Grrrr! Wasn't prepared for the cold snap. And it felt a bit selfish to leave everyone, as well. I am itching to move & get some endorphins! It will have to wait. But, my schedule should allow for several runs this week in London. My hotel is very near Hyde Park, too, which will help ensure I don't get too lost.

Les - congrats on final sermon!

Robyn - congrats on your fitness milestone!

Kathy - congrats on the tough running challenge

TKey - congrats on your busy work schedule & successful business

JJ - ride safe!

Nat & Vicci - I won't get in the middle of your hockey playoffs since I don't want to choose sides between you

Happy new week everyone!!

[Natasha]

Quick hello to all and a big hip hip hooray to Les!!! Congrats on your last day.

[Robyn1007]

Les what did you do to celebrate today?

Jennifer nice job on the 10 miles!

Susan enjoy those runs in London!

Hello to Natasha, Tkay, Vicci, Kathy and any lurkers!

So, yesterday was my final ski day of the season. It was a gorgeous day with lots of sun and some decent spring snow conditions. We had a tailgate party on the "Beach" with lots of friends, some great rippin 3 year olds and lots of sun. I also conquered some of the steepest terrain inbounds in the US skiing West Alley for my last run of the season!

Here are a few of my Diva friends with me.
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs658.snc3/32524_429998166137_540901137_5999066_2586828_n.jpg

And this shot is somewhat tradition. The 4 us (I'm in the plaid jacket) here are all moderators on our women's ski BB.
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs618.snc3/32524_429998236137_540901137_5999070_8338592_n.jpg

And here's McGeiger and I
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_7UMpSolyPX4/S-i8TdCL_jI/AAAAAAAADEk/xkf7qgPHFhs/s640/DSC01073.JPG


Today I was really tired, not that I'm surprised. Heck I even sat in my car before tonight's group workout and closed my eyes for a bit. But, alas, I got out of the car and headed for our descending ladder workout. I've had trouble with these types of workouts where I'm supposed to get faster for each interval or progression but I finally did this one right and felt great! Well except for the wind. It whipped up at one point and felt like I'd run into a wall and was barely moving!

[Leslie Ferguson]

YIPPEEEEE!

I'm finally done with my last Seminary paper. And there is much rejoicing.
Vicci - The collars are round and button in the back (and have a post in the front) thus the shape of the case. The tabs can be stored however but the full collars get dirty easily.
Jj - Safe riding to you too. Sorry your shins aren't being happy these days. I hope they get better quickly.
Susan - I hope you got some endorphines in this evening. Too bad you didn't get any runs in when you were in London.
Robyn - Not much celebrating this evening, toiling on the last project that is now signed, sealed, and delivered. Naps are fun and you deserve one after skiing and all the other stuff you've been doing lately.
Nat - Would you believe I'm beat? It has been a pretty hectic couple weekends (go figure) for me. Hope your weather is getting better.

I rode this evening after school before buckling down to the project. Got about 14 miles in felt good. Tomorrow... may be the time to celebrate being done. Certainly hope to run since there's nothing pressing to do tomorrow.

Happy trails all...
Les

[Kathy B]

Congratulations Les! You are reaching lots of milestones these days. I am sure it is a great feeling to be arriving at the end of this journey. I know there are lots of changes ahead, but I hope you are able to revel in all of the celebrations of your accomplishments. It is well-earned!! :)

Robyn, sorry to hear that ski season is over :(, but it looks like you had a really fun crowd to end it with! Good job on your descending ladders! Way to hang in there!!

Susan, have a good trip to London, and here's wishing you decent weather to run in. (I hear England can be tricky....)

Jennifer, sorry to hear about your bike wreck. Ouch!!! :eek:I am not surprised that you still have some residual aches and pains. Great job getting in your 10 miler! Hope your shins recover quickly with a little TLC and rest. (Ibuprofen is a great help for me with sore muscles and achiness).

Vicci, what a great productive day you had between your sewing machine and your kitchen. I love days like that! You sound very creative with the watch band you devised for your MIL. She is lucky to have you! I hear you about the cost of prescriptions. Do you have a mail-order option with your insurance? For meds that you take regularly, it can be a real cost savings to do it that way. Hope your allergies are getting under control.

Natasha, hope your weather has improved. We have had chilly temps here for several days, and yesterday was thunderstorms and rain all day. Not that I noticed, since I was at work, but I did hear about it from others...;) Good job on your fun and stressbusting! KCCC does have a duathlon and triathlon sometime in June at the same park where we ran the 5K, so I was thinking about going to watch. I've never seen either one (other than watching Susan's IM on the computer a few years ago), and it sounds like it would be really fun.

Tkay, how was your Mother's Day? Hope you had a chance to slow down a bit and let your family treat you to a nice day! I know how hectic things can get with all the family and work obligations, so just pop in when you can, and we'll be glad to hear from you. I've had spells like that myself on this thread, and so have others, so we get it! :) I saw a comment about Phoenix, but I think I missed something...are you planning a trip there?

Well, as I suspected, no PR's this past weekend, but I was reasonably happy with my times. The KCCC race (with the long miserable hill at the end), I ran a 30:10, and that was with no chip timing, so I actually felt pretty good about that. I also appreciated when my coworker's husband who is young and very athletic was ALSO complaining about the hill so I didn't feel like I was just being wimpy! :p The Mother's Day 5K I ended up with a 28:52 with chip timing, and while not a PR it is definitely one of my better times, so I was happy with that, too. Worked a 12 hour (+) shift yesterday, and my back was kind of achy all day. Even though I didn't do any exercise yesterday, I think the yoga I did this morning and a few dog walks may be all I do today. DS is home for a few days, then off to DC again for the summer, so we have an errand or two (or ten or twelve!!) to run before he leaves.

Hope you are all off to a good week!

[TKay]

Hello my VRBs! How I've missed you.

Les - Wahoo! Hip hip hooray! I haven't posted but have been lurking off and on, so I'm somewhat aware of how big this past week has been for you. Congrats! Enjoy your well-earned accomplishment. I'm so proud of you. :D Joy, joy. I've never heard of a collar case before. That is the coolest thing ever.

Kathy - Thanks for the comments about Mother's Day. I did relax and it was lovely. Congrats on all the runs/races. Whoa. It's hard to keep up. Enjoy your time with ds before he leaves.

Robyn - Great pics! Looks like a bunch of fun with a great group of gals. Sorry ski season is over, but I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. Sounds like you're doing great with the other workouts too. Good job with all of it.

Susan - Enjoy London! I've never been but would love to see it. I'd visit all the touristy sites for sure. Here's hoping you get in some great runs while there.

JJ - Sorry about the shins. As someone who's battled shin splints off and on for years, I completely empathize. Do those alphabet stretches consistently. I swear by them now. And take care of the rest of you. Glad you're on the mend.

Vicci - Well? Did Spooky come through on Mother's Day? I think he's got it in him. :D

Nat - Good going on the solid runs. Yes, a trip to Phoenix is in the works. More below.

I am happy to report that despite my hectic schedule, I have managed to stay consistent with my workouts. Whew! Dh and I are replacing all of the vile carpet downstairs with laminate flooring. We prefer real hardwood, but we just weren't ready to make that financial commitment. We've opted for the cheap stuff and figure if it lasts five years, we'll be in good shape. (The carpet's been here since we moved in six years ago and get this--it's white. Or, well, it was at one time. Did I mention we have two boys and pets? :eek:)

We are planning a quick trip to Phoenix in June. Dh will be walking through his graduation ceremony at the U. of Phoenix even though he'll still have some schoolwork to complete after the ceremony. I can barely say the words out loud, and that's why I haven't talked about it here before. He has literally been going to school as long as we've been together (almost 13 years). His nursing degree, his bachelor's and now his masters--not to mention various accreditations and certificate programs. I'm exhausted. Uh, I mean, he's exhausted. :p

I'm heading up for a lengthy run on my dear TM. Hope you all have a great day.

[Natasha]

Susan, hope London is good! Fingers crossed that the volcano doesn't act up again.

TKay, wow, early congrats to your husband! That's a huge accomplishment.

Les, collar case - very neat. I would never have thought of such a thing!

Kathy, thanks for the race results. Good stuff! That's exciting that DS is back in DC this summer. Will that mean you'll all be spending some time there to get him settled in? That would be cool if you could watch or volunteer at the du/tri.

Vicci, did you hear last night's game? How exciting! I was cheering for the Canadiens because this series is so good I want it to go on as long as possible! They're also my sentimental favourites (Subban, Gill and Halak are a few that have particularly impressed me) but as I mentioned on the other thread, my chances in the hockey pool would tank if Pittsburgh lost. So either result will be fine with me. I do like Crosby and the Pens too.

Oh, and I also want to know if Spooky came through for you ;) A cat smart enough to run with you and wait for you is smart enough to do breakfast in bed! My dog was extra playful and happy on Sunday - maybe that was for my benefit ;)

Robyn, end-of-skiing party sounds great!

Jennifer, I'm impressed you're still doing the 10 milers and such after your race. Do you have another race in sight? How's your poor bike?

Got in a good run just now. I had planned to spin but at the very last minute decided to run instead. Good choice :)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Kathy - Are you coming out to DC again this year? It would be fun to get together again. Sorry about the 12+ shift - hope you're back at it without too many days that you're not up to snuff.
TKay - Have a good trip to Phoenix for DH's graduation. 13 years in school - that's way too much in my book. I think I may be finishing 10 years of undergrad and grad work - since 1981 though. Just a little hectic around here - missed my mother's birthday yesterday.
Nat - Great run and thanks for your (and TKay's comments about the collar case).

I rested today - beat from the past 2+ weeks (Nat and DH here two weekends ago and saying goodbye this past weekend). Felt good to rest - if it's not pouring tomorrow (like predicted) I'm going out for a run.

Happy trails,
Les

[TKay]

Nat - Glad you got in a good run. Love that.

Les - Hope the rest hit the spot and that your run goes well also.

I got in a decent run yesterday, but a bit shorter than desired. Work is controlling my schedule more than I'd like. Doing a combo workout this morning.

Happy Wednesday, runners!

[Robyn1007]

Just quick run by for me tonight. Today has been a fantastic birthday celebration including lunch with friends, a very muddy and snowy (!!!!!) interval run with the group and dinner with Mcgeiger for which I ordered fancy cupcakes from www.teeandcakes.com for dessert. I'm tired and heading for an early bed I think.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Happy Birthday Robyn!!! It sounds like you had a great day and I hope you aren't too wiped on the 'morrow. What kind of cupcakes did you have for dessert?
TKay - It sounds like you're busy - not a bad thing but never fun to have your "fun" derailed by life. Hope your double fills the bill for you.

A shout out to the rest of the gang - I hope your downside of the week is good.

It was good to rest yesterday - I really needed it after the weeks I've had. I ran today in the drizzle - lots of fun and just over an hour on the road. Leftover chili for dinner and am now relaxing before hitting the hay.

The best to all and I'll see you on the morrow...
Les

[SusanMac]

Robyn - happy, happy bday!! Love the photos. Sounds like you're having an awesome week.

London has been fantastic. Sunny & gorgeous (while home is rainy, so I wouldn't be biking much anyway). I'm happy to have gotten in 2 runs - one through Kensington Park & one through Holland Park. My Israeli colleagues also here with me think it's way too cold for me to be running outside - LOL (it's been in the low 40s, which is really crisp & perfect IMO)

[Kathy B]

Susan, glad to hear the weather is cooperating and you have been able to enjoy some runs in a new place. Hope the rest of your travels go well.

Sounds like your birthday was memorable, Robyn! :)

Leftover chili is a handy thing to have around, Les. :D We had that for dinner last night, too, and it's just the thing on a drizzly day.

Tkay, congrats to you and your DH...when someone has been in school that long, I think it qualifies as an accomplishment for both halves of the couple! :p

Jennifer, did you get the long lake run in on Saturday?

Vicci, have you had a chance to catch your breath after all of your multitasking?

Natasha, actually, DS is heading out to DC by himself this year. He will be staying in the same apt building, and he knows where everything is (bank, grocery store, work, dry cleaner), so it seemed an unnecessary expense for DH or I to tag along this year. And DS is fine with that. (Sigh!) My baby is all grown up! :(;):)

Maybe not TOTALLY independent though, as this week has been filled with a lot of errands, laundry and even a few cooking lessons in prep for his departure (He needed to expand his recipe collection beyond quesadillas and frozen pizzas.) Actually, we have watched a couple of movies, too. I am not giving up that time together for a run...there will be plenty of time very soon. I have put my workouts on the back burner until next week (other than yoga in the AMs and walks with the dogs). He leaves at the crack of dawn tomorrow, and I am working another 12 hour shift, so this is it for me until the weekend.

[VictoriaL]

Quick fly-by today, I think that if I can get out and back within the next hour there's a good chance I won't get rained on (that doppler map better be correct!). Then a quick shower, pack the car, and off to the lake for the weekend.

But I had to drop in and say a big ol' CONGRATULATIONS to Les! :D Enjoy your day!

Robyn, Happy Birthday (youngster!) and those were great pics which you posted.

Nat, the explanation of Spooky's way to celebrate Mother's Day is on my latest blog post. :) And, about the game last night, the downfall happened so darn quickly! I was rummaging in my purse for something just after the first faceoff and suddenly everyone is standing and screaming because of a penalty against us and then a goal for the Habs... *sigh* Oh well, there's always next year!

Hi to Kathy, Tkay, Susan, Jennifer, and everyone else. I may not be back until Sunday so have a great weekend all!!!

[Natasha]

Happy birthday, Robyn! I also want to know about the cupcakes. I love cupcakes (in fact, our wedding cake was a tiered platter of decorated cupcakes).

Vicci, you were at the game? How cool that you were at the last game at the Igloo, regardless of who won. I saw a game there many years ago with my sis. Nice building. It's sad that it's retiring. Sorry about the Pens but have a great weekend! After the Canucks lost, my pool changes diminished greatly so I decided to let sentiment win out and solely root for Montreal.

Kathy, that's too bad about not going to DC but it's understandable. Your kids are definitely growing up! :)

Hi to Susan, Les, TKay, and everyone else.

I should train today but we'll see how it goes. Tomorrow my mom is coming to visit for the weekend. Have a great evening, all!

[Robyn1007]

Quick reply on the cupcakes. I ordered a half dozen from the bakery and got one each of (in order of favorites) lemon filled with lemon curd topped with buttercream and candied violets, chocolate mint, carrot with cream cheese frosting (which was breakfast today :p), strawberry milkshake with strawberry frosting tied with white on white and I still have the triple chocolate left for tonight's dessert.

I got in a nice 30 minute easy recovery run tonight. I'm off for a shower and dinner. I'm starving!

[Natasha]

Vicci, great blog post! That Spooky is one smart cat :D He knows what he wants. Good taste in plants, too ;)

Robyn, those cupcakes sound amazing. :)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Vicci - Spooky really does know what he wants; and good of you to oblige. ;)
Susan - You're right, 40-50 is perfect. But I guess that folks from the middle east are used to running when it's a little hotter than we do. These are the same folks that think that 70s and 80s is pleasant in Va Beach for RnR half. Enjoy London.
Robyn - Your cupcakes sound great. I think I'd be nearly comatose if I ate many of those cupcakes. Good run for you.
Nat - Did you get some exercise in?

I got a short ride in today, about 35 minutes. Not great but lugged the mountain bike around a little. It feels funny that there hasn't been anything hanging over my head for 3 days now. I'm sure that won't last but it feels good.

A shout out to the rest of the gang... have a great start of the next VRB week.
Les