Third Thirsty Thursday!

A few months ago, January, to be exact, I was fitted for the right running shoes for my feet at a local running shoe store, A Running Start. I signed up for email updates and news from them at that time, and sometime in March received news of a running class that they would be offering. I was just finishing up my C25K program and had not yet run my first race, but I signed myself and Erin up for their 5K class, anticipating that I would need the extra encouragement to continue after I achieved my first goal.

The six week class, meeting once a week on Tuesday evenings, began mid-May- perfect timing to keep me going. Having learned a lot of the basics while pursuing the C25K program with the online group, what I really wanted was for someone to run alongside me and help me with any mistakes I might be making from one step to the next. As it happens, for once in my life, I was already doing the athletic thing right- and was beyond most of the people in the class!

Well, except for Erin, of course. Our first meeting with the group we discussed our goals for the class. Erin was the only one to declare that she wanted to run a faster 5K than she had already run. We broke out into groups after a few classes, figuring out who ran a similar pace and sticking with those folks each week. The only one in the class, besides the teachers Sorita and Lauren, who could keep up with Erin was a guy in his 20's named Todd, who was taking the class with his fiance' leading up to their wedding. Each week when we began our run, Erin and Todd would lead off, the rest of us following in bunches.

One of the neat things about the class was learning some of the local running trails. There are a number of lovely places to run around here, and breaking out of my routine of running the same three miles of pavement was an unexpected and genuine treat.

Our graduation was a local 5K race that occurs each third Thursday of the months of May through September, sponsored by a local Pub that is right on a local trail. The Pub offers a free beer to each runner after the race, making the Third Thirsty Thursday race a very popular event! The week before our "graduation" we met at the trail where the race would be run to have a test run and familiarize ourselves with the terrain. Mostly flat and shady, the Thun trail is a rails to trails reclamation which is so pleasant to run. Lauren told Erin that she would be running with her for the actual race to keep her on track for beating her former time of 26:57. Lauren runs in the crazy "ultra-marathon" races, 50 miles at a stretch, so she was up to this. I was personally hoping to beat my own time of 32:40.



Race day arrived and we were wearing our A Running Start shirts- neon yellow and not-to-be-missed in the crowd. Over 400 people turned out for the race, breaking a record, evidently, for this particular course. Kate brought the camera along, and we met up with our fellow classmates for a group shot and pep talk from Sorita. Lauren put us through a little warm-up run across the field, which made me sort of nervous- i wanted to save my energy for the race. Erin and Lauren had a chat about her goals, and when Erin said that she was hoping for something in the 24 minute range Lauren just chuckled and said, "we'll see".



Time came to line up, or rather, gather in the field, for the start. The trail is only 6 feet wide, so the 400 runners gang up in the field, start running in the right direction, and gradually merge onto the trail. At about 1/4 mile the crowd is thinning out a bit, so it's not packed the whole time. We started, we merged, we proceeded down the trail, and for a bit I felt like I was running backwards as the faster runners passed me by in DROVES. Before I got to the 1 mile point, the first racers were already coming back from the turnaround at 1 1/2 miles. I soon saw some of the neon yellow shirts- Erin being the first, followed closely by Lauren- and we shouted encouragement to one another.

Turning around at the far point was encouraging, and the rest of the race went well. I found a burst of speed to finish and passed a couple of ladies as we neared the end. I finished in 30:33, shaving two minutes off my first time! I found Erin and learned that she had done even better than that. Lauren told me that as they neared the end of the race Erin needed a breather, so they slowed a bit to allow her to gather her resources for the final push. They sped back up and, since she wasn't running a full timer on her watch, Lauren started looking for the time clock to see how they were doing. As the crowd cleared Lauren saw the clock register 23:09 and shouted, "GO Erin, GO!" Erin crossed in 23:20, slicing more than 3 1/2 minutes off her former time!



Erin Bleacher had also run with us, coming right before me, and Michelle drove the exhausted girls home since the free beer didn't appeal to them. Kate and I joined the festivities on the back deck of Trooper Thorns, where the sweaty, victorious runners were packed shoulder to shoulder, reveling in the completion of the event. As I enjoyed my beer and soft pretzel the announcements of the winners began. As it happens, Erin came in third in her age group! There were many more young people running here than in Pottsville in April, so getting third was still a great achievement!

We are now preparing for our second Thirsty Thursday run, but Erin may opt out. She is running every morning with the Cross Country coaches and team from the High School, and her training for that comes first. I'll be running though, and can hardly wait!

Yet Another Graduation!

Now that we have Bekah's graduation under our belt, we had another one to enjoy. Isaac was finishing 6th grade, and at the Intermediate School they always have a graduation ceremony to commemorate the occasion. We had gotten an email from his teacher to notify us that- unknown to Isaac- he would be getting a special award. Jim and I went on over to the school with Kate and Bekah; Erin walked from the High School, as did other siblings still in classes.

The sixth graders had all dressed up, and the parents of girls had bouquets of flowers ready. Isaac and a number of other kids received an academic Honor Award for achieving a grade point average of 3.7 or higher. He was pleasantly surprised as he was called to come forward and shake the Principle's hand and get his award. At that point Isaac had not yet found us in the crowd as he usually does, but by the end of the whole ceremony he had.



When the time came for the general graduation roll to be read, they had each child stand where they were with their class to be recognized. Sweet, silly boy- he looked right at us and waved.

Isaac with his teacher, Mr. Stauffer.

Summer had now begun.

But Wait, There's More

So we have gotten as far as the graduation. Let's see, we then had a graduation party which was a lot of fun. Shopping at Sam's for the needed items the day before was a huge help, since Bekah and I were preparing all of the food besides the cake. (The cake I ordered from the same lady who made Kate's cake three years ago.) Dad spent the day with us again, his final day before heading home.

Saturday morning we were up early and cooking away in the kitchen, preparing the house, re-arranging the furniture and getting the backyard ready for an uncertain number of friends and family. I seem to remember that the weather forecast was giving us a bit of anxiety, since we really wanted to focus outdoors. But no anxiety for our graduate- she focused on the food. Slicing and dicing, boiling and draining. She made mountains of macaroni and potato salads, deviled eggs, guacamole, onion dip, and cole slaw galore. I had chicken marinating and burger meat ready to go, as well as a whole lot of hot dogs. We set the dining room table up for buffet serving and were simply overflowing with bountiful goodness.

There were things in the yard to prepare as well, so Jim and Isaac focused out there. Our friend John Schuchman came early to lend a hand and before long a volleyball net was up and ready for action. At three o'clock friends began to arrive, and before long the house and yard were a-swirl with activity. I got the grill fired up and filled it with the meats. Yum!

In the weeks prior to Bekah's graduation I had been working on a slide show of photos from the day she was born to present. I had time to put a few shots from the graduation in the day before the party, and we had that running in a continuous loop on the TV. This is probably my favorite part. Our dear friends here have not known us for more than four years now, so none of them watched my kids grow up. Showing them her baby pictures was a lot of fun.

Speaking of pictures, here;s a link to the album on Facebook!

The party was a success, with the food, fun, and visiting. At the very end, after most folks had already gone, the promised rain began to fall. A gentle ending to a perfect day.

And we had enough potato and macaroni salads left over to feed a family of 14 for two months...

Rebekah’s Graduation!

Even though almost a month has passed, it's still hard to fathom that our Rebekah has graduated from High School. There's something about graduation time that is so hectic and hurried, that the reality of what is occurring doesn't sink in until it's over and done with.

Let's see, we dropped Nathaniel at the Airport early in the morning on a Tuesday, and five hours later my Dad arrived from Texas, having driven up for the graduation and missing Nathaniel by a whisker. With Dad's arrival the countdown began. By this time Rebekah has finished her finals and is in the thick of rehearsals and graduation preparations. We have been so blessed to have Dad join us for each graduation, and he arrived exactly when he said he would, right about 11 o'clock in the morning. I now realize that his Navigation System was giving him an expected arrival time all along,… but my Dad has always been that accurate himself, so it's hardly cheating.

With Dad's arrival the countdown has begun. There will be shopping to do, dinners to make, formal dress on two occasions, and ceremonies to attend. Dad will be leaving before the party on Saturday, but the crowning event, the Graduation ceremony is on Thursday… tick tock.

In the rush of things that week, the whole point of the activity almost got lost among the plans and preparations. Rebekah was graduating from High School. Our third baby was celebrating a major milestone in her life, the achievement of her high school education and the beginning of the next phase of her life. There really is too much hustle and bustle around such an occasion to keep focus on the importance and gravity. Then again, maybe all of the rush keeps us moving when we might be tempted to stop everything just to marvel that twelve years have flown by in the blink- or two- of an eye!

Our first evening with Dad we went out to dinner at Fridays, since Bekah was working, and she being the focus of our week and the reason Dad was even here, it seemed appropriate to be in the same establishment with her. Erin and I left early for our running class- but that's another post.

Wednesday Dad arrived at the house bright and early and we spent the day together. Between shopping, looking at Aunt LaRue's photos on Facebook, and planning meals and activities it was fairly exhausting. We were planning to make our favorite dinner, Chicken Scarpariello, for Dad's visit, and the Rebekah made Zabaglione to go with fresh berries, yet it was all too hurried and rushed by the time we dashed off for the Baccalaureate ceremony at the school. Dad had both of his cameras with him, so Kate used one of those, Dad shot with the other, and I was shooting with mine as well. Never has a single graduate been more thoroughly covered by her own personal paparazzi…

All too soon the big day arrived. Graduation day was Thursday. Already.

Bekah had a final rehearsal in the morning, the rest of us had much to do, and finally, the time had come to get dressed and go. The graduation was taking place in the Sovereign Center in downtown Reading, so we had plenty of room and hadn't had to scrounge for tickets as we had with Kate's graduation. Bekah left early, picking up a friend to take along for the early gathering of the graduates. We all left a bit later, riding in Dad's SUV, since it had enough comfy seats for us. Armed with cameras and enthusiasm, we arrived before the doors were opened and joined the growing crowd outside the Center.

I could go on and on with details of finding our seats, waiting for the ceremony to begin, the ceremony itself, and so on and so forth, but I won't. That is all meaningless jabber to obscure the precious moments. Spotting Bekah walking into the arena in the processional; tall and beautiful, walking with a confident stride. Being spotted by her almost as soon as she got to her seat among the hundreds of graduates. Her sly smiles at us periodically throughout the evening. Watching her walk across the stage and receive her hard earned diploma. Her ear-to-ear grin of triumph as she returned to her seat. Throwing the hats into the air as the class of 2010 were declared to be graduates. Finding her among the throng outside the Center after the ceremony for hugs, tears, flowers, and photos.

After it was all said and done we made our way home to have a late- late- dinner of homemade Sauce Bolognese over penne pasta with salad and fabulous bread. Dessert was Rachel Brackbill's magnificent strawberry rhubarb pie- oh yum! Bekah was so glad to get out of the heels she had chosen to wear for graduation and into comfortable clothes, as were we all. Laughter and relief accompanied our meal. Oh, what a feeling. Really, really finished with High School. How very amazing.

We are looking forward to having Dad come up sometime for a non-occasion, relaxing visit. But what a treat to have him be here to see his Grandchildren graduate. Family is important, truly.

I am so proud of my Rebekah. My heart overflows.

So Very Much…

There has been so very much going on that I have so very little time to post anything. So much about which to post; yet no time to give anything the focus that it deserves. When I last left off, we were eagerly anticipating Nathaniel's arrival from Iraq. He arrived at the Harrisburg Airport on a Sunday afternoon and we enjoyed a fabulous two weeks with him. Two weeks was hardly enough time at all, but we managed to fit some neat activities into that small space, with plenty of well-recorded memories to boot.

Recorded memories

Since he had been aiming for Memorial Day weekend, Nathaniel was able to join the rest of us for our annual camping trip with the group from church. This year we went to Hickory Run State Park, notorious for bears, where we saw not a single ursine invader in camp. We were prepared though- nothing with scent, nor food of any description, was left outside of our car. The extra effort paid off in no midnight scares or stolen meals,… but also no photos of a bear sitting at our table chowing down on our dinner. (Yeah, I was almost hoping…)

Camping photos, album 1

Camping photos, album 2

Camping photos, album 3

Camping photos, album 4

Nathaniel loved being out in the coolish, green, lush woods of our beautiful state. We even found a swimmin' hole for the kids to splash in, complete with waterfall. Our first meal, as always, was salmon cooked over the campfire and served on salad, which is one of Nathaniel's favorites. (Our menu for the two weeks was driven by what he'd been missing while in the desert.) We shared fajitas another night with our camping friends, the Sharps. Relaxing with the family far away from the phone, the calendar, and the rush and bustle of home was such a blessing. With the group from church it's also so neat to have our friends wander into our site with some coffee and time to visit, chatting over shared donuts or hot dogs. Always having plenty to share, and never running out of things to talk about, the weekend away is the perfect opportunity to bond with our church family.

Once we got home again the kids had to go back to school, Bekah had finals, and we ran Nathaniel around a bit for some things that he needed. On Wednesday evening we went together to a Reading Phils game. We had gone to several Florida Marlins games while we lived down there, but they are not nearly as fun as a local ballgame. Though the Phils lost rather miserably, we still had a lot of fun. The between-inning activities were a treat, the ballpark hotdogs and fries were as delicious as they should be, and the atmosphere was certainly terrific in our little section since we had our whole family there.

Phils game

On Saturday we took Nathaniel to see the Statue of Liberty. Having discovered in December with the Scouts that going to see Lady Liberty is not a difficult task at all, we were thrilled to have our Soldier join us to see the representation of just what he is defending. Beginning with Ellis Island, there is a lot to see, but we have no ancestors who came through there, so we didn't linger before getting onto the ferry to Liberty Island. The weather reports had unanimously predicted thunderstorms all day in NYC, but we didn't get a single drop of rain. There were some clouds high in the sky, being driven by the near-constant winds, but we had sunny and warm weather all day. Though we had only reserved tickets for the pedestal level- going all the way to the crown requires a reservations far earlier than we were able to manage- we still had a great time and were able to see and photograph as much as we wanted.

Ellis Island and Lady Liberty

Our two weeks flew by and before we knew it the time to return Nathaniel to the Army had come. Jim drove him to the airport early on a Tuesday morning and he made his way back to Iraq. Since his leave was so very close to the end of his deployment it won't be long before we see him again. The time we had was precious, and we are ever so grateful for it. Being able to have all the kids under one roof, able to hug that boy whenever we want… priceless.

I now have some time ahead of me in which I'll be able to catch up here with what's been going on. There's more- much more to share. Our lives have been blessedly full.

Events of Late

Lately things have been busy around here- how did I ever have time to go to work?!

First of all, Erin got her braces off! I waited to announce anything here because she wanted to see if her friends noticed without being told. Sure enough, some of them asked her if her hair or glasses had changed, realizing that something was different, but not certain what it was.



Also in the works- we are expecting a visit from Nathaniel! He will leave Iraq on Thursday and get to Kuwait. From there it could be 2 to 5 days before he gets here, depending on the availability of flights. As strange as it sounds, we are hoping it takes longer for him to arrive. Once he gets to the Atlanta airport his time for leave begins to tick down. He'll have 15 days and we want it to hopefully encompass Rebekah's graduation on June 10th, or at least catch a bit of my parents' visit up here for the graduation. It's a stretch, but at least having some overlap of visits would be a blessing. Nathaniel hasn't seen his Grandparents in, well, I don't know how long.

Along with planning for Nathaniel's visit, we have a camping trip coming up for which we need to be ready. The annual Memorial Day Weekend camping trip with the group from church will be at Hickory Run State Park this year and Nathaniel is joining us. Erin and I are bringing our running shoes and recruiting other runners in the group to join us, which leads to my next point...

Erin and I have joined a Tuesday evening 5K class given by a local running supply store, A Running Start, to improve our runs. We both were fitted for running shoes at this store and were impressed with their knowledge and attention to detail. The personal attention given to each of us and our unique needs in shoes was such a departure from the non-existent "customer service" in most stores these days. I was able to begin and carry through to running a 5K race with the online encouragement of the Couch 2 5K program, but I am glad to have someone to run alongside me and help with details that might have been missed with my "virtual" training. We've had two classes already and will finish in mid-June with a "Thirsty Thursday" race nearby. It's funny, one thing they are emphasizing in the class is talking while we run. I love, absolutely love, the solitude of my runs. Yet here they are, encouraging the social aspect of running. I can handle that once a week...

There is also a Wedding this summer which we are excited to attend- in Michigan! Jim's cousin Guy proposed to his Sweetheart Angie last July 4th and they are hosting the annual family 4th of July party at their home in Michigan the day after their wedding. Plans for a vacation in Michigan have been made, and we are all excited to see this area of the country. The fact that Michigan is running some gorgeous tourism commercials right now helps too- we've already spotted one of our destinations in one of them!

Did I mention earlier that Rebekah is graduating?! There's something else for which we've been planning! There's not only a party for which to plan, but the visit from my parents as well.

And the washing machine broke down, awaited repair for a week, and was fixed- under warranty.

And we attended the Souper Bowl for our third year in a row.

And Bekah went to three proms on three consecutive weekends.

And my family treated me to a lovely Mother's Day weekend with a walk at Gring's Mill on Saturday, a yummy beverage at Haute Chocolate in West Reading, and a Sunday with no cooking or dishes to do!

And Bible Study is wrapping up for the year with a final meeting and brunch here on Thursday.

And there have been flowers planted, beds weeded, tomatoes and peppers planted and mulched, with much more yet to do...

Whew! I'd better get off the computer and get busy! I need to get some housework done then meet Jim at our polling station to help encourage people to vote for Sam Rohrer for Republican candidate for Governor today!

I'm blessed to be the Mother of five wonderful children, and soon we'll get them all together in front of the camera!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggidy-jig!

Ah, Monday morning. Today the weather is overcast and drizzly. The house is quiet. Exactly the sort of day that I would rather spend at home than go to work. And I DO get to stay home!

Before all of the hullabaloo of last week, with the trip to Texas and the mystery illness, I gave my employer at Curves my two-week notice. It turned into a one-week notice since I had to travel all of a sudden, but the result is the same. No more going to work!

My home and routine had become rather frazzled between working three days a week and chauffeuring the kids to their various places after school. I rarely had time to do laundry, clean, plan meals, or cook. Those being my first responsibilities, I finally came to a point of decision that I must simply stay home. The hardest part of that choice is knowing that there are some delightful ladies with whom I've become friends who I will no longer see on a regular basis. Those who are truly my friends, will continue to be, of that I am certain.

But my family must come first. Being able to care for the home while everyone is away at school or work, and have a meal planned and prepared for them when they come home in the evening is simply golden for me right now. There are so many responsibilities that I have, and they were falling to pieces. Now I am blessed to be able to take the time to pick those pieces back up and devote myself to first things first.

I am truly blessed.

CIA Campus Tour

Three and a half hours from our home, situated on the banks of the Hudson River, sits the beautiful campus of the Culinary Institute of America. We have had Friday, April 23^rd circled on the calendar for months as the day for our campus visit. Blessed with a gorgeous day, we drove into New York with Bekah to go see her school.

I felt like I was on a pilgrimage.

Once we arrived on campus, (formerly a Jesuit seminary) we made our way to the Admissions building, where a light lunch prepared by students was waiting to refresh the weary travelers. There were many families present, yet, in contrast to big University tours, this group numbered around 60, as opposed to hundreds. We were ushered into the theater, (allowed to take our food and beverages of course) to hear presentations on the food service and hospitality industry, the school, and then financial aid. Following these we were divided into four groups for our tour of the campus.

Roth Hall, home to three campus run restaurants, the bookstore, much hands-on training in many classroom kitchens as well as wine studies.

Walking past the Italian restaurant we learned that there are 5 restaurants at the CIA which are open to the public and staffed by the students. We then went to the campus library which is home to the World's second largest collection of culinary books, surpassed in number only by the Library of Congress. Their collection of cooking demonstrations on video is available to the students not only inside the library building, but also through the campus wide wi fi system. So, explained our guide, if one wakes in a cold sweat in the middle of the night before an exam and has forgotten how to filet a salmon, one need only go online and watch the demo. How cool is that?! (And how can I get in on that action from home?!)

As we were shown the French Restaurant in the main building our guide explained that it was named for a French chef, Georges A. Escoffier, who, after serving his country in the Franco-Prussian War in the 19^th century, organized the preparation of food for a restaurant kitchen. Before this gentleman changed things, two people could order the exact same chicken dish, and have them delivered to the table looking like entirely different meals. Escoffier instituted the brigade de cuisine system, and with military efficiency and predictable uniformity, meals were prepared and served in French restaurants, and then all over the world.

Student staff enjoying an early dinner together before opening the American Bounty restaurant for the evening.

Walking past classrooms and looking through the windows we saw so many tools and machines, yet always students working busily with their hands. Students in white chef coats with tall white hats were chopping, slicing, rolling, cutting, measuring, sifting, pouring, stirring and more. This is a hands-on education. In the earlier presentation the one statistics that returned to mind was the 1300 hours of hands-on training provided by an education at the CIA. Simply amazing.

In the Baking building our guide pointed out one particular instructor, Chef Schorner, and explained that he was the man credited with introducing Crème Brulee to the United States. God bless that man. The students he was instructing as we watched numbered eight. How's that for student teacher ratio? In another classroom we watched as magic was happening- chocolate. Our guide explained that that particular chef not only taught, but had written the book on chocolate. No, really, the textbook used in the instruction of pastry chefs was written by that man. Awesome! As we gazed through the windows at the chocolate kitchen, a student bearing a tray of chocolate covered delights offered us samples.

Here is where my discipline had to kick in.

I am now taking an antibiotic which requires an empty stomach; 2-3 hours after eating or 1 hour before. The clock had started with the light lunch which I finished at 1 o'clock. I was taking my next dose at 3, thus freeing me to eat again at 4 o'clock. This would normally be no issue for me at all, but I'm touring Food Mecca and can't taste samples at will! The agony!

Right at 3 o'clock we ended our tour, and returned to the theater in the Admissions building. I grabbed a glass of water and took my next dose of Doxycycline and sat down as we watched a chef prepare a dish that she was going to demonstrate for us,… after giving us samples to taste! She was stirring together diced pancetta with slivered almonds and garlic in a pan with a little olive oil. Tossing in some chili flakes, butter and then chicken stock, she simmered this wonderful concoction before adding roasted dates, a bit of chopped parsley, and topped the finished dish with goat cheese. The smell was heavenly as assistants brought our samples to us in small cups.

I neglected to mention that when we returned to this room there were desserts waiting for us. Beautiful desserts. Wonderful desserts. Heavenly desserts. And yet, for me, off limits desserts. Until 4:00.

So my sample of this roasted date and pancetta dish sat on my tray next to the slice of cake as the minutes crawled by. Time slowed to nearly standing still.

Chef Amanda Hammonds, however, gave us quite an entertaining demonstration as she slowly prepared a single portion, complete with overhead cameras projected to screens so we could watch her every move. A graduate of the CIA, she clearly loves this school, and regaled us with tales of other graduates in their post-CIA careers as well as stories from the classrooms. Her excitement for the school was infectious, and if anyone there hadn't already finalized a decision to apply to the CIA, they sure must have once she was finished. Her motto is, "fat is good, pork fat is king"! (This from an obviously fit and attractive lady; very good PR for the school.)

I kept a close eye on the time and at precisely 3:59 I gave up the fight and tasted my delectable sample before enjoying my dessert. Oh. Yum.

How many campus bookstores look like this?

When the program ended we were free to wander about the campus, check out the gift shop, and simply enjoy the last of the afternoon. We did just that, snapping a few photos as well, before going to the Apple Pie bakery cafe run by Baking and Pastry students for a simple dinner. Oh, what a day, what an absolutely splendid day. We are more convinced than ever that Rebekah will receive an unmatched education at the CIA, and are thrilled for her future.

The Apple Pie bakery cafe'

Perfect day

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch…

While I was in Texas, the rest of my family had to make do without me back home. Now that Kate is not working, she had the flexibility to step in and take over the day to day operations to keep everything running smoothly, which, I am proud to say, she did marvelously well. A normal day for me would require not only keeping the chores done and planning for and preparing meals, but also much chauffeuring of kids including getting Bekah from school to work, and getting Erin after track practice. It doesn't sound like much, but that is all happening at the end of the school day and running sometimes past five o'clock, which means any dinner must be well planned in order to be served before, say, bedtime.

Every time I called Kate to see how things were going she answered with a sweet, "Hi Mommy". Not once did she complain or grouse about all that she had to do. On the contrary, she would give me a brief rundown of her day, maybe ask where something was, and be just a calm and dear as she could be. It almost seemed, (dare I say) as if she were enjoying her domestic role. On occasion I also spoke with Erin or Isaac and they uttered not a single complaint about how things were going at home. Jim assured me more than once that Kate was serving above and beyond the call of duty.

Tuesday morning I called early to say good morning to the kids and tell Jim about my suspicion that I had Lyme, and was told that he couldn't come to the phone because he was outside hosing off a carpet that the dog had barfed on. In fact, all of the animals had been sick, meaning that approximately every floor in the house had an urgent need for cleaning.

Oh dear.

Having woken to that scenario on a couple of occasions myself, I knew exactly what they were going through, and it wasn't pretty. Am I a bad mommy for feeling a glimmer of relief that I was out of state? When I talked to Jim and Kate later in the day it sounded as if things were under control. No panic, no complaints, just a casual wondering if we still needed the dog… which I also wonder every time I clean up after her. That feeling soon passes, as it did this time as well.

Wednesday as I was waiting for my connection at O'Hare I got a breathless call from Erin at her track meet. She had just completed her 1 mile race and placed 2^nd, with a personal best time of 6:45! She was so thrilled with her accomplishment and dropped everything to call me right away- still fresh from her run. I'm so honored that she called me in the midst of her excitement. I had known that she could improve her timing and start placing in the races. She certainly had the drive and the discipline for it. Her relentless training is showing. What a blessing.

Walking into our home, finally, at ten pm, was like stepping into an oasis of peace and calm. Kate and the kids had the house immaculate, with fresh flowers in little cups and vases lining the kitchen windowsill and in the table. Clean floors, countertops, and carpet, with everything in its place, neat and tidy. A green smoothie waiting for me- as per an earlier request, and sweet hugs from my dear ones, were the perfect welcome home.

I am truly blessed.

Trip to San Antonio

Central Texas in the Springtime is bluebonnets blanketing every open field, wide open sunny skies, and the relentlessly mouth-watering smell of smoky barbecue on the breeze. If you happen to get the opportunity; go. (Frightful Admission: I did not take my camera. Horrors.)

I flew down to San Antonio to give my Mother some help last week since her husband of 17 years, Frederic Reed, passed away. Fred was older than my Mom, and his last few months were a steady decline. Mom did her best and went above and beyond her natural capacities to spend every day with him whether in the hospital or the rehabilitation center, and to be as encouraging to him as she possibly could. After several months Fred was finally allowed to come home, but his body was just too tired to continue. With Mom and loved ones present, he died on April 5th, 2010.

In the days immediately following, Mom didn't yet need me there, and my brother Charles was able to drive down and stay with her. When she called last week to tell me that she was ready for me to come, I made the flight reservations. Due to a misunderstanding, I wound up planning my trip for the weekend before the Memorial Service, but this gave me a chance to help her prepare. There would be arrangements to finalize, details to figure out, an obituary- written by her sweet neighbor- to email, and house cleaning to do. Between Mom's health also in a decline of sorts, with two knee replacements on top of other issues, and the last few months of spending virtually every waking moment at Fred's side, she has not been able to care for her home as she used to.

Mom lives about an hour north of the airport; probably 30 minutes if there are no cars on HWY 281 and all the lights are green, actually. So I contacted my Aunt LaRue to see if she and Uncle Graham would be able to give me a ride from the airport to Mom's, thus saving her the trip, and giving me a chance to see the relatives who have so graciously hosted our daughters in the recent past. They were able, and so Kate drove me to Harrisburg to meet my early flight Saturday morning, and several hours and one change of planes later, I was hugging my Aunt on the sidewalk outside of the San Antonio airport.

We had a longer chat than anticipated, since the traffic going North on 281 was abysmally slow due to a breakdown of several traffic lights. We finally arrived at Mom's, and I realized that they haven't seen one another in many years. After a brief visit, we say our goodbyes, and Mom suggests we begin with some real Texas BBQ,... probably because I had mentioned it during a phone call on my layover in Chicago.

Mom took me to a fine culinary establishment known as Rudy's, which was near the rehabilitation center where Fred had spent so much time. I had forgotten the distances which Texans take for granted, and it took us almost half an hour, (perhaps longer) to get there, though I'm not entirely sure, because we talked the whole way. Rather, Mom talked, and I listened. She had so much that she just needed to say, still working out what the last weeks have been and rehearsing over her final memories of her husband's life. When she once expressed the thought that she was being awfully self-centered going on the way she was, I assured her that as recently as her loss, and as fresh as her grief, she needed to mourn and everyone would certainly understand.

Rudy's was fabulous and we left satisfied that we had enjoyed the genuine barbecue of Texas. The grocery store and another couple of errands later, and we were on the way to her home. This is where it gets interesting.

After purchasing my non-refundable tickets, I came down with a fever. No problem. I have often had little fevers come and go with only bed rest and a bit of OTC medicine. I needed to get to Mom, so after a couple of days nursing myself at home, I loaded up on the meds and hopped those planes. I figured the issue would soon be resolved and by the time Sunday morning rolled around I'd be up to taking Mom to church and then digging into some major helping. Yet Saturday evening my fever was catching up to me, with the addition of aching muscles all down my back. Sunday morning, instead of hopping up fresh and ready to go, I could barely turn my head without pain.

Mom knew exactly what to do. The urgent care clinic in Bulverde was open seven days a week, and walk-ins weren't only welcome, they were the reason for their existence. Fortunately we arrived only minutes after they opened, and only one patient was in before us. Once I was in to see the Doctor and he had asked all of his questions and examined me he sat down and said, "I don't like this at all". Hooray. Not what one wants to hear. He believed that I had Meningitis and wanted us to go straight to an Emergency Room where I could get the only test that would tell for sure. A Lumbar Puncture.

Oh joy.

With this I handed the keys to Mom, (different story) and we were off while the clinic called ahead to make sure we were seen immediately. Let me just tell you, having someone call ahead to the ER to say that you are coming in with a suspected case of Meningitis is the way to get red-carpet service when you arrive. I don't think that I had finished writing my name on the first form on the clipboard when I was whisked away to have my vitals recorded and then I was ushered into an examination room to clothe myself in the thin bit of cloth and snaps which has been misnamed a "gown".

This Doctor was a bit more calm as he examined me and asked me the same questions, for which none of the answers had changed. He then explained to me the two different types of Meningitis. Bacterial Meningitis, according to him, involves more nasty symptoms which I did not possess, and, as he put it, "one often goes from onset of symptoms to not here anymore in 24 hours". His initial impression of me was that I was not afflicted with this type of Meningitis, confirmed by my recitation of the timeline of my own symptoms. He still suspected that I might have Viral Meningitis, which could be diagnosed with that delightful little procedure called a lumbar puncture. Yet once confirmed, the only treatment would be merely to treat the symptoms.

My brilliant idea; skip the scary test, and go straight to the "treat the symptoms" part!

With assurances that I'm okay to drive- thank you- and confident that I'm not going to die, taking with me everyone with whom I've crossed paths, I tell Mom that driving is to be part of my recuperative therapy, and we leave the hospital. We have to re-call the many people Mom had alerted while waiting for me. No small task.

Stopping only to get soup, Aleve, and juices, as well as other groceries, we head home for Mom to care for me. Please understand what I mean when I say that she was thrilled. She hasn't had an occasion to take care of her adult daughter in more than two decades, and she can bring all of her motherly love to bear in watching over me. Attempting to do so while separated by several states and having only phone contact has been manifestly frustrating to her all these years.

Moreover, my Mom has spent the last several years caring for Fred and seeing to his every comfort. Monday, April 5th, that was over in the moment of his last breath. As clearly as all evidence pointed to his imminent demise, she was still brought to her knees with the finality of it. I am no replacement for her husband, most certainly, but having a reason to pull her focus away from herself, even for a day or so, seemed to be just the thing she needed.

My idea of help blown to the wind, we did manage to get some lists made, appointments made, and the obituary finalized and emailed. Along the way we also had some good time together just talking and remembering. I think that we were able to share some special moments, which would have been missed if I had been energetically tackling another pile of tasks.

Monday night I realized what must be ailing me. A Texas Doctor wouldn't as readily think of Lyme as a Pennsylvania Doctor would, but as I surveyed my symptoms it occurred to me that I had been looking at a rash almost the whole time without understanding what it was. Skipping the actual location of said rash, I'll just say that I had earlier chalked it up to skin flushing due to the fever. Taking another look, I saw that it was indeed round, and could very well be a bullseye. My stiff neck prevented me from seeing any more, but it made perfect sense. We live in Lyme Heaven, Isaac and most of our friends and neighbors have had Lyme, and we see the rotten little ticks on a regular basis. A series of phone calls made the next morning secured me an appointment with my General Practitioner, thanks to our friend, Dr. Noble. Relief.

Charles returned the night before I left, and Wednesday morning he and Mom accompanied me to the airport. I drove there, neither of them liking the others' driving habits. Once we pulled up to the curb at my terminal I was about ready to toss the keys into the air and run as they discussed who should pilot the chariot home... Hugs and warm assurances of our mutual love exchanged, I gathered my things and entered the airport, confident that they would make it home somehow, praying that it would be safely!

My flight to O'Hare to change planes was uneventful and I enjoyed the long underground walk from terminal C to D. I hadn't done much walking at all the entire time, and it felt good to stretch my legs. When it was almost time to board my plane, they called over the intercom for a volunteer to take a later flight to Harrisburg in order to free up space on the aircraft, with a free round-trip ticket to anywhere in the contiguous 48 states being the reward for such generosity. The tiny aircraft that we were about to board being similar to what I had flown in on the way to O'Hare Saturday, I understood the need. I joined two others in volunteering to change flights and was given a voucher for a free round-trip. There's my "actually be visible help to Mom" trip.

My changed flight was leaving from Terminal C, so I repeated my walk, which was actually a delight, because the tunnel has been decorated with an artful display of changing colored light rods. I also had the chance to thank a group of young Soldiers for their service to our country, which I try to do every time I travel.

The aircraft for my new flight was a larger size, and far more comfortable- what a blessing!

The details are getting too numerous to share, and you may have already nodded off to sleep, so I'll just say that I am happily home, have had my appointment, bloodwork, and am glad to have Doxycycline flowing through my veins. Doxy, do your work!

God moves in mysterious ways. I am certain this time was not wasted, though I may not ever fully know how.

Couch 2 5K Graduation!

Saturday was gloriously sunny, with a chilly wind blowing. Perfect day for a run! Jim and the Erins, (our Erin, and our neighbor Erin) and I drove to Pottstown, about half an hour away, early enough to get through the registration process. Not sure what that would entail, it ended up being simple enough. Go to one table to check in and receive a number, another to pick up t-shirt and coupons, and don't miss the table with information on upcoming area races! The Chick-fil-a cow was walking around handing out sandwich coupons and the room slowly filled with racers and supporters. Kate and Erin B's mom Michele arrived soon, our photographer and cheerleaders- vital to our success!

It wasn't too difficult to separate the new runners from the experienced. There is a look of confidence in the face of one who has "been there- done that" that is unmistakable. Others follow the lead of these seasoned folks, watching for cues. Grab some of the snack now or avoid that table? Start stretching? Even jog around the outside of the building? One thing for sure; when we lined up at last at the starting line, those in front were not wearing sweatshirts or their race-day shirt freshly plucked from the table. They were outfitted to RACE, faces like flint, eyes on the prize.

We, on the other hand, situated ourselves somewhere in the middle of the pack. Sharon Lucas and I decided to start out together, but since I am taller than she, understood that we'd meet at the finish. The Erins were nearby somewhere, but I sure didn't expect to see them until it was all over. There was a bit of an announcement from a bullhorn that only those in front could hear, then the start- we were off!

Jim soon passed me by, running his own race as I'd hoped he would. Sharon and I ran and talked until the first turn. At that point she told me to go on ahead and I lengthened my stride just a bit. I've enjoyed the solitariness of running up to now, and even in a pack of people was able to find that quiet alone place as I ran.

At the one-mile mark there was a volunteer calling out the time. I made it in 10:30. The next mile was 20:34- not bad. Since the roads were relatively level, no hills, it was an easy run. Beginning next to a golf course and then continuing through a neighborhood it was also a lovely run, with blossoming things surrounded by the green of Spring. Having volunteers stop the traffic was a blessing, and I tried to thank them at each intersection. When I came upon the water table I had a quick conversation with myself, asking whether I needed that cup of cool water, and decided against it- I was not feeling the least parched.

I'm not sure if it was before or after the water table that I spotted them, but Kate and Michele had made their way by a shortcut to the middle of the course for photographs and cheers! When asked why I am smiling in the shots of the race, it is because they were yelling their heads off with encouragement. Michele has been a soccer mom for years- she knows how to yell!


As we wound our way to the finish we passed the local high school which was hosting sporting events and buses were arriving- yay for running past school buses... (I always try to time my runs at home to miss the school buses, not always successfully)

About the time I could see the finish line I heard a familiar voice- my Erin was cheering me on! Having finished, she was walking the course back a bit to encourage the rest of our group in their final bid for the end of the race. (At least she wasn't doing what many of the gung-ho athletes were doing and running the race backwards. I passed a few of them looking just as fit and strong as at the start.)

Erin's encouragement was just what I needed to kick it in and find a bit more git-up-and-go. One more turn and there were Kate and Michele, cheering and shooting photos! And there was the finish line! One last bit of sprint from I'm not sure where, and I was across the line at 32:40! Right behind me was Sharon, who had followed me by a few paces the entire way. I'd had no idea.



We cheered on the rest of our group as they came in, invigorated by the run and the excitement generated by the whole event. The results were posted online a few days later and we were thrilled to learn that our Erin came in first in her age group! Erin B. was third for the same group, and Sharon was 2nd in hers! We older folks just wanted to complete our run; Erin Kelly wanted to place. Jim finished without walking at 28:28, a time in which he used to run 10Ks. (It's okay honey- gotta start somewhere.) Everyone accomplished their goal.



We all came to our home for a Belgian waffle feast and fellowship before moving into the rest of the day. Life goes on.

But I have actually run- without walking- a 5K race. wow.

When's the next one?!

Texas Bekah!

It's already the 13th and I'm only now sitting down to collect my thoughts on the recent activities? Time is zooming by awfully fast these days.

Actually, a lot of the time that I spent at the computer around the week of Easter was watching for facebook updates from and about Bekah, who was enjoying a fabulous Spring Break in San Antonio with my Dear Auntie LaRue and Uncle Graham. Several months ago Bekah approached me with the opening line of, "Since it's my Senior year of High School, I've been thinking about Spring break and wondering if I can..."

"Whatever it is, the answer is NO!"

Actually, she was asking if she could spend some time with the Aunt and Uncle who she's only recently begun to know. How could I not give this plan my enthusiastic endorsement? Aunt LaRue is my Dad's "baby sister" and my own relationship with her was spotty since they lived a whole 7 hours away while I was a child in Wichita Falls, Tx. The Summer of 1980 however, I spent a month with them as my Mom contemplated a move from our home in "tornado alley" to anywhere else. San Antonio beckoned, in no small part because of our relations there, and we moved in time for me to begin 8th grade.

The most important aspect of that Summer visit was my introduction to my Savior, Jesus Christ, by my Dear, (and I've recently learned) newly Saved, Aunt and Uncle. They had me at their church every time the doors opened, in a VBS and youth group activities to include a lock-in, and Christian books and comic books to fill my quiet times at their home. Jesus was the topic of many of our conversations and I remember being slightly embarrassed by my Aunt sprinkling her talk with "Praise the Lord"s all the time.

Funny, I think I talk like that now.

But the Lord had a purpose for the time spent there, and I sat on the floor by the bed in my cousin Meredith's room one warm Summer afternoon and prayed for, "Jesus to forgive my sins and come live in my heart,... and please don't leave me behind when the Rapture comes."

Now my children are getting to know my Aunt LaRue and Uncle Graham, not least because of Facebook. Silly, but this "time wasting" networking site has actually introduced my kids to their relatives. Now Bekah, fired by Kate's stories from her September visit, wanted to go for the immersion experience and we were thrilled to put her on that airplane. (Wait, that could have been worded differently...)

Rebekah had a wonderful visit filled with cousins, Mexican food, Texan culture, and touring the beautiful city and surrounding towns. What a treat and a blessing for her to be received with such love and excitement. Grateful for closer ties being forged between our families, I look forward to the next adventure, whether it be in PA, TX, or somewhere in between... hmmm...

Now there's a thought...

Glimpses of Life

Lately I have been blessed to share my love for photography with others by photographing events for friends and our church. From Baby Showers and Baptisms, to the recent Ordination and Installation of our associate Pastor, and then the local G.R.A.C.E. Conference held at our church, I've been given license to shoot away with my camera. Here are some of my favorite images from recent events.

Ross listening to Lane Tipton preaching during the ordination service.

"...and they prayed and laid their hands on him..."

After the baptism, Grandmommy and Auntie enjoy their sweet baby.

Granddad can't get enough of his little darling.

Beautiful Emma and her cello.

Our church at dusk, as people file in for the G.R.A.C.E. Conference.

Annie directing the choir.

The Pastors preparing for the evening's introduction and sermon.

Preparing for the hymn sing.

Father and daughter.

"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!"

Catching up with friends at the Baby Shower.

Mother and daughter...

Friends as close as sisters.

Joyful expectation.

These are merely a few of hundreds, but they are some of my favorites. Behind my camera I'm as happy as a clam,... (if clams are happy, that is). If these photos blessed their recipients, then that's a blessing to me in return.

St. Patrick's Day Surprise!

Blogging is turning into a family affair. I've had this blog going since we moved to PA in the Fall of 2006. My Aunt and my cousin, both in San Antonio, not only follow my blog, but each has their own. (each has/ each have...?!) Before Facebook it was how we kept up with one another. Now it continues to add a depth and richness that Facebook will always lack.

One treat to following my Dear Auntie on her blog is watching the progress she makes on various projects. Her latest endeavor has been quilting, which she thoroughly enjoys. When she and Dear Uncle visited up here a couple of years ago, one stop on the tour which thrilled her to her toes was the Amish Quilt museum in Lancaster County. She'll post photos of the mysterious process, and I can watch as swatches of fabric become one unified and beautiful quilt.

Lately she has been working on a quilt with such beautiful rich colors and a floral background. Her commentary on the process was illuminating; her commentary on the "Secret Recipient" was mysterious. Slowly but surely- actually, far faster than I would ever expect to accomplish such a feat myself- the quilt came together. The photo of her sweet little dog "Treasure" having a nap on it to test it was especially cute.

Wednesday evening a box arrived in the mail. My Dear Auntie had designed and made that gorgeous quilt for me! The colors being the deep red of a fine red wine, and the golden color of my sweet kitty Milo, are absolutely perfect! What a wonderful gift, the love and care that went into this quilt are staggering to me. When I curl up in it I will feel my Dear Auntie's loving arms around me and know that I am truly blessed.

Enjoying the first of many cuddle-times with my Milo and my quilt!

The quality control on this particular product was very, very high. Treasure tested and Milo approved!

Thank you more than I can say Auntie Dear!

Running Like a Calvinist

This is just a silly thought that reverberates through my head sometimes when I run...

My Grandmommy, God rest her soul, was a true Southern Gentlewoman. There was not a single point of etiquette with which she was unfamiliar. I was always instinctively on my "best behavior" with her, and it was not uncomfortable, but rather a sort of security. Knowing how to act in situations, not due to mere personal experience, but because Grandmommy said that it was correct, was actually comforting.

Lessons learned ranged from where to place the silverware when setting the table to how to place the fork and knife on the plate when one was finished with one's meal. Cover your mouth when sneezing, yawning, or certain points in chewing. Sit up straight. Don't point. Never, never, never put catsup on your steak- even though Grandfather always did. (horrors!) Please, thank you, yes Ma'am, no Ma'am. Always write Thank You notes- always; a rule which, were she to have lived into our age of email, would still stand inviolable.

Don't spit in public.

Oh Grandmommy, I'm so, so sorry.

Since I began the Couch 2 5K running program 8 weeks ago, spitting has become a subject of question for me for the first time in my life. Now, the beginning runs were not a problem here. But once I began running for 8 minutes or more at a stretch, I began to feel the uncomfortable need to spit. Having been raised to be a Lady, I refused to do so, even on the lonely back roads when nobody but the chipmunks might witness such a breach of feminine bearing.

And then I came across this briefest of passages in The Institutes of the Christian Religion, (Which, yes, I am still reading- finally into November on the schedule!).

In discussing "The discipline of the (Roman Catholic) clergy and its degeneration", John Calvin tells us, among other things, that, "In the time of Cyrus... it remained a religious custom that no one should blow mucus out of his nostrils, but was permitted to suck it up and feed within (to the point of putrefaction) the noisome humors..."

In short, Calvin says, "Spit it out!"

I am a Calvinist. When needed, while running, I spit. (But only when nobody's looking)

Sorry Grandmommy!

At Last

We are clearly past any danger of Winter snow. (hope that declaration doesn't prove false)

It just seems so very, well, Spring-like, out there this past week. The milder temperatures combined with something special about the sunlight, the return of birdsong to the mornings, and now a whole lot of rain, are all together announcing that Winter is past, Spring is HERE!

The lift in my spirits may be all of these, but I also attribute this new lightness that I feel to a phone call received in the middle of Monday night.

"Hi Mom!"

My very-most-best-favorite words.

Nathaniel called after two months of non-stop work in Iraq. Two months which, for his family at home, had begun to seem like an eternity. Evidently, the Iraqi elections had required a whole lot of support from our helicopters, which then required a whole lot of maintenance from Nathaniel and his crew. They worked around the clock; each shift extended and working until the guys could only stumble to their beds and crash until it was time to get up and do it all over again.

Only Monday did Nathaniel begin to receive a few of the multitude of letters that we had written to him beginning in early February, and was surprised to hear that we had sent cookies. I have since learned that he got the cookies we sent and they are evidently not too bed after a month en route. (But he's 23, a guy, and a soldier.)

He sounded great. He sounded like my son. My Nathaniel.

Since Monday we have had a brief instant message chat online, and I have seen signs of life on his Facebook.

And I have not ceased in my grateful praise and thanksgiving to my Lord, who knew all along where Nathaniel was, what he was doing, and was indeed holding him close and working on his heart.

As a mother my heart was concerned over his long silence. Yet my prayers, (and I take no credit for this) had turned to reliance on God's perfect wisdom and knowledge of the situation. Our Lord has a plan for Nathaniel, who is now an adult, which is for my son's good, and for my Lord's glory. I asked the Lord to help me to trust Him as He worked this plan out for Nathaniel; that He would be glorified not only in Nathaniel's life, but in my response to whatever that plan might involve. Loosing my grip of control over my son- which was a fiction anyway- took the balm of the Word and the ministry of the Spirit as I prayed over these past many weeks.

God graciously allowed us relief from the silence with that phone call. His plan might have been different, yet no more or less glorifying of Himself in the ultimate outcome. But this time the plan included a drop of mercy for us as well.

So, sing away birds of Spring, my heart sings along with you.

Progress

For the past couple of weeks the weather has varied from snow falling, to lovely sunshine and 40s, yet with the snow barely melting away, back to snow falling again. Through it all, I have managed to be able to get out on the road to run at least three to four days a week. Through a link made available on the Couch 2 5K site, I found a calorie calculator that gave me general guidance for what I should be eating in order to lose weight while I'm putting this much work in to running.

I'm not a fanatic, and certain disciplines elude me, others seem downright obsessive. So, easy to follow general guidelines are more my style. My mind tends towards justifying many things, and so I could easily tell myself that, "Since I ran today, I can have extra!" I do, however, hope to be able to fit back into some of my favorite clothes that have been waiting patiently in the closet for a couple of years, so those justifications won't be tolerated any more.

I have lost 4 pounds and am wearing two pair of jeans that were uncomfortably tight a few months ago... That is the best encouragement of all to keep up with the discipline!

Yesterday was my first day of Week 7 in the C25K program. W6D3 was a 25 minute run with no breaks. Every day of Week 7 is a 25 minute run with no breaks! I increased my distance slightly for W6D3, which, where I am running, meant further uphill before turning around. So I am running down a slope, up another slope, back down that one, and up again at the far end of my run. Including the warm-up walk at the beginning of the run, I am now going beyond two miles. The next increase in distance will get me back to a level area before returning to the hills. Since we live on the top of a hill and the road I run traces the top of the ridge I am limited in where to go without encountering serious inclines. I encourage myself with the thought that it must be strengthening me ultimately to hit the hills. (I could segue here into the church conference on God's Providence, but Isaac just providentially missed his bus- so I have to get going...)

Last night I inventoried my closet just for a reminder of what I'm hoping to wear once the weather warms up. It'll seem as if I've gotten a whole new wardrobe if I stay on track!

April 10, 2010

Our entry forms for the 5K race in Pottstown, April 10th, are in the mail. Jim, Erin, our neighbor Erin B., and I are entering as a team. I am in my 5th week of the Couch 2 5K training program and am still very excited. Considering that there is still a whole lot of snow on the ground, running has been rather chilly lately. I am learning that it doesn't take long to warm up, and before I'm done I'm even removing my gloves and resenting my hat! (The hat needs to stay on- it keeps my cheap headphones in place.)

Yesterday as I was running the W5D2, which is two 8 minute runs with a three minute recovery walk in between, I was 2 1/2 minutes from the end of the second run when I met two walkers coming toward me. My thoughts of falling down on the road dead were replaced by the desire to keep it up at least until I'd passed them. Then, right at the same moment, my dear friend Heidi and I recognized each other and she immediately went into cheerleader mode! "Go, go, go! You are awesome!" yelled the master of encouragement as I raised my hands with V for victory and grinned from ear to ear.

I need no more evidence that this running thing is mostly psychological. I went from "ready to die" to "totally energized" in a matter of moments with no physical aid at all. I was able to finish well, thanks to my friend's energetic support.

Now if she'll only show up tomorrow when I'm supposed to have a 20 minute run without any breaks...

Bon Appetit!

I have finally made a dish from Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. We have watched the movie several times, bought the cookbook, and read her biography. It is well past time to hit the kitchen!

We chose Roast Chicken in Port Wine, Cream, and Mushrooms, not only because it looked so good in the movie, but also because,... well, it just sounds so scrumptious! As it happens, the movie doesn't quite follow the cookbook. The recipe begins with roasting a whole chicken- they showed chicken breasts; in the movie this was the scene where Julie learns to saute mushrooms perfectly, the mushrooms in the recipe are not sauteed. I ran somewhere down the middle, using chicken breasts and sauteing a few mushrooms while following the rest exactly.

This is also the very first time that I have dealt with a flaming pan of food- something they left out of the movie entirely, but would have been awfully entertaining.

We learned that all of the many steps to making this dish could be sorted out and done in easy portions, instead of taking it all at once. Once the recipe was broken down this way, it wasn't so very difficult. We also learned that when Julia writes, "avert your face" right before, "ignite the cognac", it's a real good idea to take her seriously. Nobody is singed, but we are going to give God all of the credit for that...

Not satisfied with merely cooking the food, we did, of course, photograph the food as well. Enjoy. If you hear of a widget that will allow for a scratch and sniff feature for computers, let me know.

Quickly cook the shallots in butter- real butter.

The Port wine

Mushrooms briefly boiled in water, butter, and lemon juice, then the juice is poured off and reserved and the cream is added to the mushrooms.

Chicken breasts roasted in butter... oh, yum.

A sauce is made from the reserved mushroom juice, port wine, and
mushrooms in cream. Yes, it's actually pink.

The chicken goes into a buttered pan in preparation for cognac and the match...

Woosh!

I'm still not sure how this influenced the flavor- but it sure was cool to do!

Finished product. Poulet au Porto. Be still my heart.