A Working Day

When I first walked into Crystal's house this morning I thought, wow, look at all those road signs!  Little did I know this would involve into a group activity.

As a new Board Director for the Menomonie Market Food Co-op, this was my first all day retreat.  Our main focus today was looking at an expansion project in the near future. It was great to spend the day at our general manager's house, enjoying her hospitality, and her cozy home, which just happens to be a renovated church built in the late 1800's!  So cool......

  

Arrived this morning to freshly brewed coffee and a delicious buttermilk-blueberry coffeecake.....so tasty.   During our lunch break, we were treated to cauliflower soup, a fresh green salad with homemade dressing, salmon salad, couscous salad with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, deviled eggs and delicious artisan bread baked at the food co-op.  There is nothing like fresh food made from scratch!  

Took several breaks during the day, which gave me the opportunity to snuggle with little Frankie (Crystal & Bill's baby).  Frankie's a little snuggle bug.....seriously!

Despite the storms and all day rain, it was an awesome day with my fellow Board Directors.  As for the rest of the holiday weekend, I need to refresh and relax.  Hoping for some bicycle time tomorrow and Monday.

Sweet and Tangy

Rhubarb Muffins

Worked late tonight teaching another eBook class, so that meant I could spend a little more time at home this morning doing what I love to do......bake!  Before the storms arrived this morning, I went out into our garden and cut some more rhubarb.  I decided to checkout my favorite foodie blog, Carpe Season, and look for a rhubarb recipe.  I found a nice muffin recipe that used either buttermilk or plain yogurt.  This recipe reminded me of my childhood.  I grew up loving and eating rhubarb when I was a young girl, so it isn't spring until you cook up some rhubarb recipes.  My remaining rhubarb plant is getting slim, but will probably cut and freeze the last of it.  Oh, and the rhubarb muffins were delicious, especially when they were right out of the oven and still warm.  A muffin and a rich cup of espresso.  Can't get any better than that!   (thanks Liz) 

Happy Pink

Spring is progressing, and our gardens are flourishing.  The pink carp seems happy among the many hostas.  This is truly my favorite time of year.  Noticed lots of dragonflies tonight while on my run .  I think we are gradually moving into summer!!!!!

Beautiful Sunshine

Tokudama Hosta

Today's beautiful weather made up for yesterday's rain, wind and cool temperatures.  Enjoyed my run tonight, especially when I spotted a very large area of blackberries blossoming.....the largest patch EVER!  The only problem is,  poison ivy everywhere.  I have several months to figure out how I can pick these blackberries.  Maybe waders?????  

Sierra Club Ride

We were on a descend and then quickly rounded a corner to discover a bridge.  I heard the water rushing  as we were approaching the bridge, but as soon as we crossed the bridge..... voila,  Dells Mill.  This quaint  and historic grist mill was built back in 1864.  Dells Mill is located near Augusta, Wisconsin.

 

Bike man and I participated today in our local Sierra Club century bicycle ride.  Century ride meaning 100 miles, but we did not ride that length.....no way!  We headed out into the farmland of northwest Wisconsin early this morning, anticipating we would ride the 60 mile route, however, 45 minutes into our ride, the gusty winds and possible rain clouds convinced us to ride a shorter route.  The wind was tough for me and I had limited time in my big chain ring and mostly kept spinning in my smaller ring to keep my legs feeling less stressed.  Bike man was doing fine as usual, but I'm not a big wind rider and I always seem to struggle.

 

Our ride was actually pretty nice, despite the gloomy weather.  We enjoyed a nice lunch after the ride provided by the Sierra Club.  As soon as we headed back to our car to pack up the bikes, the skies opened up with big huge rain drops and the temperature dropped about 15 degrees.  Good timing for us, but for those 60, 80, 100 miler riders?  Rain and 20+ mph winds.....yikes!  (33 miles)

Everything is Blooming

Clematis

It was so thick my throat started closing up!  The pollen is incredibly high right now.....exceptionally high.  I headed out for a run tonight and halfway through my route, my throat started to feel funny and I felt like I couldn't even swallow.  There was also an overwhelming smell of something blooming .  The smell was so strong it almost turned my stomach.  I love spring, but wow, this is the most powerful spring I can remember in a long time.

Work is stressful,  and life is busy.  Just listening to the bird songs tonight made me feel better.  Hey dad, I heard a Wood Thrush singing tonight in the deep woods.  His song was so beautiful....I smiled and thought of you daddy-o!   

My Buddy!

 

Last minute decision this afternoon.  Do you wanna ride bike today?  You betcha!!!

My cycling partner Kim, met me late this afternoon at the Red Cedar trail head.  Our first ride together since last September.  The weather was delightful and perfect for a spring ride.  The trail was busy tonight with other riders, walkers and runners.  It sure is good to have my riding partner back again, especially since we can talk girl talk!!!!!  (16 miles & 83 degrees)

PS.  A big Happy Birthday to my dad today.....he turns a young 84 years old.  Love you daddy-o!