Saturday, December 27, 2008

Snowy Days and Rainy Days


Snowy sidewalk tree.

It's raining again, and the snow is melting away. I've kind of lost track of the days over the last week and a half - I know we ran once on the indoor track at the Y. I think that was last week, pre-marathon, but I can't really remember. I do know that this past week, Eric and I ran in the snow with Steve and Rick on Christmas Eve, then with Rick yesterday. We went to the park and ran the almost one mile lap around the lake both days. The first day there was so much snow we had trouble figuring out where parts of the path were! Today was the normal Saturday run with the Run Club. We had a good sized group, and mostly clear streets, though some spots were slick and slushy. I wore my screw shoes when we ran at the park, and then yesterday, Eric bought me Yak Traks - but I didn't get to use them today, just my trail shoes were enough. Really, my regular running shoes would have been fine.


Our lilac tree.

We had a good Christmas, way up north in Bellingham. It was a little dicey driving up - we hit a band of snowy weather. We drove back home that night, and fortunately, we had good weather for that part of the trip. We'll head that way again on Tuesday night so we can run the Last Chance Marathon on Wednesday. Then it's halfway home, to the Seattle area, so we can run the First Call on Thursday. After that, I'm done for the week, but Eric will continue on with two more runs, one official, and one unofficial. He's promised to be ready to party Friday night though - when we host a little potluck for my 51st birthday.

Might I just say that I don't know quite where the time has gone and how I got so old? I'm turning 51, Web will be 22 in another week, and next month Riley will be 20. And you know that kid I married way back when? He's already 52! The thing is, I still don't feel like a grown up. There have been one or two times in my life when I've thought that maybe I really am a grown up, but most of the time I think I'm just faking it. That's a good thing, right?


















Looking to the front out the side window.

Last night, while we were all away, Sundae, the chocolate lab, pulled Riley's stocking off of a shelf and ate a package of malt balls, a peanut butter cup, almond roca, several chocolates and a small plastic bowling pin. She also chewed on some popper-confetti-shooter kind of thingies that were for New Years Eve. This morning when I got up, I found urped up chocolate and wrappers all over our brand new living room carpet. We borrowed a steam cleaner from Cat, and Eric got it all out - thank goodness! What a goofy dog.


















Sundae, before her indiscretion. She's an old girl, and is looking her age. Imagine her glum look today!

Well gang, that's it. That's the update from Puyallup. Tune in again next week for a report on the double, and the passage to a new age!

18 comments:

Joe said...

Great post, Michelle...beautiful pix but I know it's been a snowy mess for all of you. Just talked to my son in Portland...they've had a mess too.

The years fly by faster and faster. As I read Christmas letters from so many friends, it made me, once again, simply be grateful for each day of health and vigor. You are exhibit A for that... you are thankful for it, I know, and generous in spirit to others as a result.

And the dog...oh my... glad your carpet cleaned up!!!!!

Enjoy the week!!

Irene said...

It's kind of funny what kind of shenanigans a dog can get into when you're not looking, kind of like a kid. I hope she didn't have too bad of an upset stomach.

The winter photos are stunning.

I'm glad to hear you had a nice Christmas.

Ironayla said...

Glad to hear you had a good Christmas, except for the dog eating stocking food moment.

Enjoyed your photos and hope your double goes well!!

Anonymous said...

Um, okay, running fools... :)

Glad your holidays and running has been good, though, and woo hoo, it's birthday time again!

Didn't Sundae make a few bad choices on Christmas treats last year, too? I seem to remember something "urped." :)

The fact that I can remember your last couple birthdays and the fact that your dog got into treats just makes me realize how long this blogging thing has really gone on. Wow.

Anonymous said...

I also seem to remember a dog eating lots of chocolate last year. She knows how to celebrate the holidays. The pictures are beautiful.

Anne said...

What holiday isn't complete without such spectacular snow shots, a little running and a mischievous dog managing to get his nose into someone else's loot. I hear you on the age awakening. But remember: 51 is still young when compared to, say, 80. You WILL look back fondly on these years someday and marvel at just how active and alive you felt then (and now, as in the future).

Anne said...

Oops, I should have said "she" when referring to Sundae. Sorry....

Wes said...

Beautiful pictures!! Some peeps never grow up, and like it like that :-)

Chocolate is NOT good for a dog. I'm glad ole lady Sundae is OK!!

Thomas said...

You should hear all the complaints Niamh has about me and not being grown up! Mind, at times she is glad to have a so-called adult nearby who has a mental age closer to that of her children.

Anonymous said...

This weather made me kind of lose track of days, too! It was kind of fun, though, wasn't it? Now, let's get back to normal running! :) Have a great double and enjoy your b-day! Hope it's a happy one. And, keep faking that grown-up thing. You're doing great at it. ;)

Darrell said...

Silly dog, chocolate is for humans!

With all those races I'd lose track of time too, I think.

Leslie's Keith said...

Yay for not feeling "grownup!"...45 still feels like 15 to me...(still shy around girls even!...)

Happy New Year!

Keith

Cat. said...

I love all the pictures in this post Michelle! I guess it really was a 'chocolate Sundae' yesterday.

Unknown said...

I would probably be just like Sundae, but I think I could keep the chocolate down. Hopefully, I'll be able to swing on over on Friday.

Sarah Elaine said...

I don't feel like a grown up yet either. Good to know that feeling may not go away! ;-)

Happy new year to all of you.

Sunshine said...

Thanks for your sweet comment.

We have been marveling at the weather in WA-OR for the last few weeks. Amazing!

lizzie lee said...

I really enjoyed the snow... I loved our Christmas week, just resting and doing nothing!!!

Ms Eva said...

Beautiful pictures. :)