Packed Away

Last week, I packed up my thick, fleece, bright pink robe.  It is time for spring!

There are lots of flowers popping up.  I wish daffodils stuck around for a bit longer.  The Bermuda grass goes dormant in the winter.  It is trying to turn green - as are the weeds.  We haven't mowed, yet.  But, the time is coming.

New Favorite

The Big Guy and I went out for dinner a few nights ago.  Peanut was out with his girlie girl.  We tried a new, local, restaurant.  The moscow mule was wonderful!  I think I've found a new favorite!

 Of course, we had to try the pretzels too!  Very generous servings providing some to take home.

First Track Meet of 2015

This was bright and early a few Saturdays ago.  We were waiting on Peanut to get in the car.  He was running in the DMR and needed to be at the meet early.

The four guys from the right ran the DMR.  It was a grey morning.  Peanut got in, ran, and we went back home for a bit.

Peanut had to be back at noon.  We got here a few minutes after.  Who knew the meet was going to go by at a snail's pace?  So, we sat in the rain for hours.

 Not a very pretty view - - at all!

 The runners were wet and cold as they waited around for the 2 mile race, one of the last races run.

All in all, we stayed dry under the umbrella.  We got our fair share of sitting around done.  And, Peanut ran well.   It's just the beginning.  There will be much more to come!

Weight Loss

All year I've been using the MyFitnessPal app to get a bit healthier.  I use it religiously to track what I've eaten.  I've lost a few pounds, but not as much as I would have liked.  This is the toughest challenge. I feel like I've been "good" all week.  The scale thinks otherwise.  Out of spite last night, I ate a Hershey's candy bar.  Ugh!  Everyday is a new day and I need to take this one day at a time.

As I type, Buddy just placed his nose on the keyboard.  He is begging for his morning walk.  If only walking burned more calories!!

Belly Acres

Tried a new burger place last week.  It was very yummy.  I'd ridden my bike and went for a splurge of a burger.  Peanut got pork belly on his.  He ended up taking it off the sandwich, though.  He has such an adventure with food.  He will try anything - except tomatoes and mushrooms!

Picture Post Surprise

Pumpkin looks like he is having a good time.  The town looks lovely too!

Inbox Surprise #2

Our weather this weekend was fairly warm.  The Big Guy and I worked in two bike rides.  We went to dinner on Saturday night and Peanut broke out his Chubbie wannabes.  Little did I know that Pumpkin was gonna break his out on top of the mountains of Germany!  Love it!   Love seeing them having a good time.

Pumpkin is fairly tall.  Guess that means the guy next to him is very tall!

Absolutely gorgeous!  Hope the sun continues to shine there.  It's been dreary and rainy and depressing here!  These pictures have inspired me.  I'm scouring the airfares trying to find a "deal" to faraway places, places we need to see!

Inbox Surprise

After the tragic news about the cadets, it was wonderful to open my box and have a selfie of Pumpkin.  Look at those mountains!

Tragedy

We got a message Saturday morning from Pumpkin saying that three cadets were in a car accident.  Friday afternoon was the start of their  spring break.  Pumpkin is not home.  He is safe and was not involved.  As information came out, the news is tragic.

This was released in the local CT paper.

This was released earlier today.

My heart is very heavy for two deceased, their families, the surviving driver, his family, the entire CGA family, and the other two involved in the accident.  It is just so very sad.  Prayers are needed.  It is going to be very hard on those cadets when they head back early next week.

I might just work in a trip to CT to get a very much needed hug from Pumpkin.

Daily Walk Disruption

We made it out the first day of the snow, but we did not walk that far.  It was a challenge to find good footing and it was very cold.  With the high winds, the snow drifted by our front door.

No matter, someone still wanted pets!  Gotta get him groomed, but keep forgetting to call.  I wonder if it is a subconscious thing.  Growing up, I hated when my Cinder dog would get groomed.  I always thought she looked cute with long hair.  I think I cried every time I saw her after a trim.

Real Live Snow

This last round of winter gave us rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow!  It all started late Wednesday afternoon resulting in day 7 and day 8 off of school for Peanut.  He and I went for a walk on Thursday about noon.  The streets looked like they were hardly touched.  We just don't have much equipment and the ice makes it a challenge.  The temperature did not go about freezing and they got an additional day, today.

I was supposed to work today but got to opt in to stay home with Peanut.  The Big Guy said the roads were worse this morning due to all the freezing.  We did get to meet him for lunch which was a lovely treat!

Mystery Wine

Last week, I caved to a groupon that came across my email.  I bought the customer recommended 6 bottle mix of wine.  The wine was discounted and you have to pay for shipping.  We haven't tried any, yet, but I was impressed with the assortment.  Wines from Italy, California, and Spain.  It must all be karma.  My sister, Gina, celebrates her birthday on 4/2.  Guess I know which bottle we will try on that day!

Towels

In the fall, I mentioned to the assistant swim coach that I had some extra time and would be more than willing to help out with something, from afar, if they needed it.

No more than three weeks before championship, she emailed me and asked if I'd help arrange a gift for the swimmers.   Of course, I said yes and started working some avenues.  The challenge at the start was the gift was dependent on donations.  There was not any funding for the gift.  I was so excited when I walked into Costco and saw they had their beach towels in stock.

We decided to go with the blue and white stripe.  Kudos to the employee at Costco that helped me sort through the bin and find enough striped towels.

They added color to our dining room for a few days as I investigated embroiders.  I settled on a local, out of the home place run by two friends.

I started with a draft idea on paper, got the claw digitized and we went from there.  The lighting is horrible, but this is the end result.  Each towel was personalized with the swimmer's name on it.

The swimmers were so grateful.  The stripes made them easy to spot on deck.  This is one of my favorite pictures of the meet.  Love the scarf, shawl, towel and turbin.  Love seeing them have fun too!

So grateful that parents donated to make this possible for their swimmer.  It will be a challenge to see what we can come up with next year!

Still Savoring the Swim Meet

I know the swim meet pictures are getting old.  But, we had a great time and loved seeing Pumpkin!  I took my nice camera with the biggest lens I have.  It was so much fun spying through the lens.  I spy Pumpkin and he - -

Is walking on the pool deck

 Is watching the diver

 Is coming closer to the stands

 Is not headed to see me, probably headed to the locker room

 Is with his IM coach, a blessing, for sure!

 Is dancing on the deck, a favorite activity of his

 Is receiving his 4th place award

 Is receiving his 7th place award

Is getting ready to step up to the blocks

I think I have one more swimming post for tomorrow, then I promise to move on!

Last year, the Pumpkin's swim meet was at the same place.  When I came home, I raved to Peanut about the track.  The joke was on me this year.  You could not see much of the track due to the boat loads of snow.  They did snow blow a few lanes of the track but Peanut opted for the treadmill.  Again, we were killing some time and trying to perfect the selfie.  Note to self, the phone screen will not let you snap a picture with your finger nail.  Peanut helped us and used the volume keys to take a few.

 Here is another view of the track and the gorgeous setting sun.