Late Afternoon

Another spring-like day here on Tainter Lake. Was able to enjoy this beautiful day after work. All I could think of was getting outdoors to breath in the clean fresh air. Another late afternoon three mile run while watching the sun set as I slowly trudged along. And to think last year at this time I was coming home after work to snowshoe out on the lake.....unbelievable. I'm beginning to think we really are experiencing a drought!

Winter Postponed

I'm so appreciative of this unseasonably warm weather here in the Midwest. My mental outlook is much happier and brighter without all the snow and subzero temperatures. Really proves to me how harsh weather can affect my overall mental health. I'm sure the snow will return and the below zero weather will be knocking at our door, but for now.....I'm smiling!

Did an awesome 3-mile run this afternoon and actually felt good. Getting back into running has been hard for me, especially since I'm not a spring chicken anymore!!! Thought about taking my mountain bike down to the lake, but the warm weather has made the snow on the lake squeeshy....makes riding much harder on the lake.

Special Note: talked to my mom this afternoon and she is getting stronger and stronger each week. It will be exactly one month tomorrow that mom had open-heart surgery. I am simply amazed at her progress for an 81-year old woman. She has a fighting spirit and a zest for life....well after all, she is a Marine's daughter!

There He Goes

There goes Bike man......again! I think he's turning into Mr. Social since he does his lake laps in order to visit the other ice fisherman. With lack of snow this winter, Bike man is enjoying his time on the bike. Me? Well, I was just happy to run my three mile route this afternoon after completing all my domestic chores.

Happiness comes in all ways. This young man was very proud of his dad's walleye catch. Just a great day to be outdoors. A little sun, a little clouds, some wind and a high of 32 degrees. Can't beat that for January!

My Favorite

The Girls

I've been slowly going through photographs that I took last year. I especially like this photo of "the girls." I think the smiles tell it all......soul sisters for life!

The Day is Complete

I love this time of year when the air is cool and the sunsets are colorful and dramatic. When the sun goes down, I actually find myself questioning what type of sunset we'll have for the night. One thing I've learned over the last three years, is always have a camera handy wherever you go. A beautiful sunset at night really completes your day.....kind of like whipped cream on your slice of pumpkin pie!

Ice Cold

Well, at least the sunshine felt warm today considering the 15-20 mph winds that were blowing....again. Went out for a late run after work and came back with cold cheeks, and I'm not just talkin face cheeks either! Hello January.

It Doesn't Take Much

......to make him happy! No need to spend money for heavens sake, when you can give him a drinking straw. No expensive cat toys in this house!

He'll play for hours, meowing loudly as if he caught a mouse.

By tonight the straw will be in shreds. But that's ok, I'll just give him another one tomorrow! Maybe on Tuesday I'll give him his favorite plastic pull tab from the frozen orange juice container. Just goes to show happiness comes in many small ways.

For me, happiness means a nice strong cup of espresso with lots of cream!

~Happy New Year everyone ~