Winter Series 5K

Last Sunday, the weather was perfect for a run through the woods.  Peanut is doing the 2014 Winter Off Road Series comprised of a 3K, 5K, 8K and 10K.  He has not run too much due to swimming for the high school team.  We weren't too sure of what to expect with this longer run.  The Big Guy did not participate this year.  He talks about how hard these type of runs are.  Peanut loves it!

Fortunately, the water level of the creek was low.  Previous years, they've used the rope to get up the other side.

He surprised us with his speed!  You could not see the runner until he was at the finish.  I'm thinking the swimming helped!!  He had a great run.  He looks barely phased after finishing the 5K.

NYC for MLK

Over MLK weekend, CGA swam at the Merchant Marine Academy.  Apparently, in this picture the boys are critiquing the "bus" as formed by the MMA.  Too funny!

What a great set of guys!  These are the freshman boys on the swim team.  I'm heading up there for championships in late February and looking forward to meeting the boys.  One advantage of being at the Academy is cadets from various parts of the country - TN:FL:AZ:VA:TX:NM

The Big Guy, Peanut and I went to Cincinnati this weekend.  We got a late start on Friday night and stayed in Bowling Green.  I woke up and checked my email noticing that Pumpkin had rented a hotel room in NYC!!!  The Big Guy commented that he was nervous and jealous all at the same time.  It turns out two of them decided to stay in the city for a night.  Pumpkin met up with our friend who is a comedian.  Grateful for friends!  Lenny took good cared of them.

Olive Oil Drip Catchers

These Olive Oil Drip Catchers were my craft this Christmas.  It worked out great.  I was able to make a small dent in my left over sock yarn stash and able to support a local business.  Folks we know opened up an olive oil tasting shop.  We gave the Big Guy's team members each a bottle of oil and a handmade drip catcher.  Two of the folks were out of the country.  (Shh!  Don't tell anybody, but I just finished their catchers.  He needed them for a luncheon today.)  I really enjoy the infused olive oils and need to investigate the Mediterranean diet.

I have a mystery KAL sock on the needles now, but really need some mojo to hit or I am going to fall really far behind.  Come to think of it, I need some mojo across the board.  I am just not feeling too inspired.

Puzzles

Over the last month or so, we have completed three puzzles.  I thoroughly enjoy them.  I also enjoy how it brings the family around the table.  Yes.  Sometimes it requires encouragement to get all my puzzle helpers to help.  If you look closely, there is a piece missing from the first two puzzles.  We all blame Buddy.  He likes cardboard.  In his defense, I don't think he imbibes unless a piece hits the floor.

Pumpkin was home to help with this one.  He even picked it out at the store going for the puzzle with the military flags.

This last one was challenging.  We did the yarn balls first completing the edge afterwards.  It was counter-intuitive to my puzzle completing process.  However, the piece shapes were unique making it hard to distinguish an edge from an inside piece.  I bought each puzzle at Hobby Lobby using a 40% off coupon.  Looks like I might be headed there soon to buy another one...

About Face

When Pumpkin was home, we were walking through Target.  He was talking about the Academy.  According to him, the hardest marching maneuver is the about face.  He tried to teach me.  Me being left handed did not like turning the "wrong" way.  It just felt off balance.  Pumpkin was chuckling at me.  The Big Guy walked up and Pumpkin started teaching him.  It is all in the initial toe placement.  When you turn your feet should just come together.  It is definitely easier said than done!  Looking at these pictures takes me right back there, smiling, giggling and hanging with my cadet.

We had a house full of teenage  boys last night.  The last sounds were heard about 2:30am.  This morning time is more of a struggle for me as I don't want to make too much noise and wake them all up.  Wonder how long they are going to sleep...

New Year's Eve

We were supposed to go to Cincinnati for New Year's.  It was going to be a very quick trip.  Unfortunately, that is not what happened.  I ended up with a cold (the big guy has it now).  I did not have it in me to make the trip.  So, we had a mello yello celebration at home.  It was lovely!

We grilled out late enjoying filet, asparagus, salad, and baked potatoes.  The red wine helped too!

We watched the Steve Jobs movie.  It was okay.  I had read the book and really enjoyed that.  The movie just skims the surface.

So thankful that Pumpkin went to Florida with the swim team.  His travel back to the Academy was w/o incident.  So many cadets were not that lucky.  The weather has really impacted lots of midwest and east coast.  We are all bracing for some cold air.  Enjoy the snuggling time and stay warm!