Beer is for birthdays

For Troy's birthday this year I treated him to a five-course meal complete with beer pairings at our favorite brewery. It was a decadent and delicious treat and an interesting experience since we sat with a table full of strangers.

Unfortunately, I was too busy eating and drinking (and making small talk with our neighbors) to take many photos. But I did manage to capture the start and finish of the meal.

Signs of spring

I'm working with the windows open and I'm surrounded by a soundscape of twittering birds and buzzing bees.

Spring came early this year. The rate at which the season changed was alarming.

I've never made a snowman with daffodil eyes before

Still, it's hard not to be cheerful in the spring. Even the most negative person has to be able to find hope in this season of rebirth and renewal.

We had a mass of bulbs in our back garden that I replanted and carefully spaced out in the fall. I have been happy to see several different varieties of pretty flowers emerge from the ground so far.

 I am finding myself endlessly distracted by the chirping, buzzing and flowery mood. It's hard to handle being inside when the weather is so nice. My mind is obsessed with thoughts of al fresco drinking and dining! I was thrilled to get out for a hike last weekend. The trees are already starting to bloom!

Redbud at the Ragged Mtn Reservoir

Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks

I don't have the best memory but I distinctly remember dreading having to run the mile during the Presidential Fitness Tests back in grade school. I was definitely one of the slowest kids. That was embarrassing in and of itself. But I also remember simply having a hard time completing the task. It truly felt torturous.

To me, running doesn't carry a fun benefit like lots of other types of recreation/exercise like biking, swimming, tennis or hiking. I guess that's another reason I haven't done it.

But lately, I have found myself running. Or, you might more accurately call it wogging (walk/jogging). As I get older, staying in shape gets harder and harder. Running is appealing because 1) it's free 2) it can be done practically anywhere 3) it doesn't necessitate a big time commitment for a good workout.

Just by virtue of this sheer practicality I've found myself pounding the pavement over the last few weeks. It helps a lot that Troy is a willing partner in this endeavor. He pushes me and puts up with my absolute disdain for this activity. It hasn't really gotten easier (I typically feel like I'm going to die during it) and I still complain about it a lot, but I will admit that one sure benefit is that I'm feeling better about myself. And that's the key point, right?