Nature Valley Bicycle Race

After my food co-op board meeting this morning, I met up with Bike man and our daughter Becca in Menomonie.  Only one city block away was the start of the Nature Valley Bicycle race @ noon.  Bike man and I have missed  attending the race over the last two years due to prior commitments, so we were excited to finally see the race today.  Very exciting!  A little rain shower prior to the beginning of the men's race, but no big deal.      

Unfortunately, the rain hammered down for the beginning of the woman's race....and it came down really hard.  Bummer for the women, but I'm sure they're use to rain and other conditions as well.

So the highlight of our day?  During the men's race, someone walked by me that I recognized from a blog that we have followed for 4 years now.  Harry Legge's friend and Birchwood Cafe team rider, Eric Thoerner, was working as a medical volunteer today.  Of course I recognized him right away since I've seen his photos on Facebook/blog and have read his comments to Harry Legge's (Tom).  I introduced myself to Eric and told him who I was, and reminded him that I briefly met him and his wife Heather last year at Amy's birthday party in Minneapolis.  How cool is that?  Social media......it opens up a small world.

Our daughter had to head back to Minneapolis later today, but it was so nice to spend some time with her.  Thanks Becca for the Father's Day visit!

Got home from work at 8:10 pm.  Kicked off my high heels and traded for my comfortable Okabashi flipflops.  Ran down to the lake dock and snapped some post-storm photos.  Storms, literally ALL day!  As I was teaching my eBook class tonight at the library, the windows started shaking.  I stopped talking and said, "holy cow, look at the wind and rain outdoors."  We ended the class a little earlier tonight so people could get home during the mega storm.  Crazy weather, that's all I can say....hoping tomorrow will be somewhat normal.  

Stepping Outdoors

A long day of work and no play, followed by a conference call tonight.  I did enjoy the sunshine and cool temperatures today between travel appointments for work.  Any time I can step outdoors during the day is good for the soul.....my soul.

Bike man?  He spent plenty of time outdoors today.  Lucky duck!

Now That Was Breezy

So what happens when a cold front moves in after 90 degree weather?  Extreme winds.  It didn't stop us from our Monday night ride.  The winds were actually tolerable until about 7 pm and then they increased right as Kim and I were finishing our ride on the Red Cedar trail.  Another great ride with a good friend! (22 miles)

I was happy to learn today that even Bike man headed out for a road ride this afternoon.  The winds made for a more intense workout, but he was happy to finally get out on the bike. (21 miles)

I'm Overdue

Sorry for my absence blogger friends.  I actually had a nice reprieve from the computer world.  Have you ever done that?  Just said no to social media?  Well, it was very nice and I actually got time to spend with the Son.  It was so nice to have him visit this weekend.  Went out in the boat twice.....once for a late night ride and last night to go fishing.  I didn't actually fish, but just sat in the boat and watched a muskrat swim along the lake bank and listened to the birds singing.  The Son and I even heard a beaver take down a tree in the woods.....so cool! 

Of course I had time to play with the "kids," A.K.A., the kitty cats!  I'm not sure what was outside the door, but probably a squirrel or chipmunk.  They certainly were concentrating on something.

Oh, and I can't forget the farmer's market with all the tempting goodies.  These glazed donuts are to die for!!!  The Mennonite woman brings all her freshly baked goods to the farmer's market every Saturday.  I think the Son has been buying a glazed donut from this woman for 4 years now......she's actually well-known for her homemade donuts.   Besides the sweet stuff, we also bought some fresh garlic, rhubarb and strawberries.

In a nutshell, things have been very busy here at the tainterturtles household.  Bike man is busy on the weekends with his lake and stream monitoring. plus working with his granddaughter on her college field experience for her science degree through UW-Stout.  Something tells me the whole summer will fly by very quickly.  Bike time has been minimal, but we're squeezing it in when we can.