Raindrops

Cool, damp, cloudy and breezy today.  Wasn't a motivating day for outdoor activity, however, I did finish my first assignment for the food co-op.  Wrote my article for the Morsel newsletter and finally submitted my copy to the Board today.  Had a few other assignments to complete, in order to be ready for the next meeting in two weeks.

By late today the storms and rain returned.  Heavy rain and blustery conditions passed through leaving more tree branches for me to pick up.... and now there's more rain in the forecast for tonight.  Oh that's right, it's spring!

Storms

Storms in the morning, and more storms late this afternoon.  Canceled a bicycle ride due to questionable weather, but still ended up getting completely soaked during my alternative late afternoon run.....lightening and thunder added in for adventure!  Yup, this is spring.  Thanks Bike man for driving out to check on me during the brief thunder boomer!

Songs of Spring

Storms to the south of us, which made for a beautiful sunset. The spring frogs are singing tonight, celebrating the spring-like conditions.  I love the month of May.  Nature is at it's peak with the song birds scoping out their territories and in their peak of mating season, and the wild flowers are slowly emerging with each passing day.  Remember to stop in your busy day and listen.....listen to your surroundings.  Hey, there's no charge either, it's completely free!

Play Time

He played first, then came home after his playfulness and worked on planting annuals.  Bike man rode the hilly route today putting in 28 miles....lucky duck.  The south - southwest winds gusting to 30 mph made for an interesting ride.    I think it's safe to say he was tuckered at the end of his ride!

Looking forward to much warmer temperatures the rest of the week.  Hello spring!

Made a Promise

Ahhhh, spring's favorite vegetable is finally ready for picking!  Rhubarb is my favorite seasonal treat, but we really enjoy it like a fruit.  Rhubarb is very similar to celery in texture, but cooks and bakes nice and soft.  It's totally tart, so you'll need to add adequate sugar......unless you're like Bike man.  He likes to cook rhubarb sauce with very little sugar, so it turns out thick, soft and tart !!!!

I made a promise yesterday and I always keep my promises.  I baked a rhubarb custard pie tonight for Bike man.  I'm guessing there'll be a piece missing by the time I go to bed tonight. I'm happy to tell you this is one of those old family recipes that was handed down to me by my mother.  If your from the midwest, you'll likely have a rhubarb plant or two growing in your yard.  Now, if only I could figure out how to send my sister (in Jacksonville, FL) some rhubarb.  Sorry Deb, I'll work on that.

Ride Time Together

We haven't spent much recreational time together, so finally this morning Bike man and I decided we needed some ride time together.  Sunshine, and warmer temperatures convinced us to get our road bikes out. 

I've only ridden Ruby twice this month.....yikes!  I was surprised to see no bridge closing sign posted as we crossed the bridge this morning.  Still not sure when the Tainter Lake bridge will be shut down, but hopefully we will have another month or so.  

I meant to take a photo of the lake as we rode by my favorite spot on the southside of the lake.....well Bike man kind of got in the way of the picture (he never likes to stop ya know?)!

Rejuvenated later today with some tasty colorful vegetables cooked on the gas grill.  Lots of olive oil, and my favorite Penzey's spice mix.  So delicious.  Also slowly cooked two small pork loins prepared with a special tea rub from Infinitea Teahouse.  Nice end to a long week.  (21 miles)

Change of Plans

Bike man and I seem to be on different schedules lately.  As he was heading out at 6:30 am this morning for some lake monitoring, I was getting ready to attend my Board of Director's board meeting at the food co-op.  Seems like this will be the normal routine for the next six months.  Because of a new summer commitment for Bike man, we decided to postpone our June bicycle trip......bummer.  Looking ahead, I may have to spend weekends bicycling by myself or hopefully with a friend.  Unfortunately, I'm not really a "bike-by-yourself" kind of girl.  I will do it if I have too, but it's not really enjoyable for me.  I guess for now I will continue to get my exercise in by running, but hope to set up some biking time in on the Red Cedar trail like last summer.

Another spoil factor this summer for bicycling will be a route closure near Tainter Lake.  The DOT will be replacing the bridge three miles down the road from our house and there will be no way for us to cross the lake on our 20 mile lake route.  The only alternative route is to add about ten miles on a state highway.....a very busy state highway!   Yup, looks like an unusual summer, guess I'll have to get creative!