9 and 1/2 Weeks

As of today, there are only 9 and 1/2 weeks left until the marathon. I think I'd prefer to simply sit and watch the movie with the same title in lieu of training. I have to say however, that the long runs are going great, so I really can't complain. Let's hope I still say that after my 22 miler on 9/12 ........the Badgerland Striders have a great marathon build up program and I feel fortunate to be able to do my long runs with them.

I smell wet dog

Finally the weather cooperated enough for us to tolerate wet dog smell for a while. Mac lives for the summer and swimming; he finally got to live his fantasy yesterday. For Mac, life is good!

Bubble Girl

I hope she's better at blowing out her birthday candles in a few weeks.

Everyone loves a good parade

Only at the Clam Festival Parade can you find a giant lobster and LL Bean boot float, and really, I don't even know what to say about a monster fire truck.
Addison was more entertained than I think I have ever seen her. She loved every last second of the parade.

Beach Bum

I took one for the team today; I love the ocean, but I hate the beach. It's tough to get one without the other. Addison, on the other hand, LOVES both and wore most of the beach home (check out the face in the last picture). This girl's addiction to water is of epic proportions; I think she was a mermaid in a previous life; do they make water bed mattresses for toddler beds?

Turtle Wax

Hungry Hungry Squirrels

In a previous life, I'm pretty sure Grandpa used to be Grizzly Adams; he has quite the collection of wildlife at his house, most of which are squirrels and chipmunks, but if you have a keen eye, you can see the hummingbirds and loons, too. I'm pretty certain, however, that the population of squirrels is a direct result of the number of peanuts they're being fed. Addie has a great arm, so she finds it quite entertaining to throw the peanuts out to them; today, however, she discovered that there is something INSIDE the peanut shell, which provided several minutes of entertainment and serious concentration. This afternoon she realized that she can eat the peanuts, too; this may not go over well with the red squirrels. They are FEISTY and they're not afraid to give you an ear full.

Running Fools

The LL Bean 4th of July 10K was today; it was foggy and cool, which makes for perfect running weather and a bad hair. We were both happy with our times: 48:43 and 1:06:45; I'll let you figure out whose time is whose. Now we get ready for our next running adventure: Beach to Beacon on August 1st.
Since the race was so early, my welcoming committee was not exactly enthused with my finish; in fact, I'm not even sure she cracked a smile for me.

Travel Companion

Two coffees, 5 pieces of gum, a rainbow, and 810 miles and my travel companion and I are safe in Utica, NY. I couldn't ask for a better travel partner; he never complains and I hardly know he's back there until he starts panting and stinks up the whole car with his breath. I guess you can't have it all.........