Too Hot to Run

Since I haven't run in over a week, I decided that today after school was going to be the day.  Boy was that a bad mistake.  When I arrived at the park my temperature gauge in my car registered 83 degrees.  And this was at 4:30 pm!. But I was already parked and dressed, so I decided to stay the course.  I haven't run solo in over 6 months so it felt weird not to have a running companion to converse with.  

Intersection at the start of my run.  I always veer to the left, but today I decided to  turn right since I knew it would offer more shade.

This is the right branch that I took. Along my run I did not encounter a single sole.  I did however meet a cute bunny and  a  snake coiled on the path.  Snakes tend to stretch across this path, so I ALWAYS look down when I run.  If I stepped on a snake, the paramedics would have to resuscitate me.  I HATE snakes!

Left fork

If I went straight 

Fragrant flowers line the trail

This park is located just a few miles from a very large Amish community.  They frequent the park and this parking area is for horse and buggies only.  

One of Indiana's fire towers. The view from the top is spectacular!

Bison in Indiana

Trail around the bison pen

Double barbed wire fence to keep them in

 

 

These trees have no bark as a result of the bison rubbing their bodies on them.

Stairs leading to the lake.  My favorite place to stretch.

So pretty!

My swollen arthritic fingers after my run look like sausages.

Glad I ran in spite of the heat.  I ran my fastest mile since my hip injury last June.  I ran 3 miles with my second mile clocking in at a whopping speed of a 12:15 minute mile.  Although this is 2 minutes slower than my fastest mile a year ago, I am OK with this time because I did this with a 2 min. run/1 min. walk ratio.  Plus anytime I can finish a run uninjured and able to walk, it's a good run.

 

Remembering Those Who Serve

May we never forget those that serve and put their life on the line so that we may enjoy the freedom that makes America what it is today.

Thanks to all my family members who have served and are currently serving in the military:

My father who served in the Marines during WWII, my father-in-law who was in the 11th Airborne, my brother currently in the Air National Guard who has served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, and my son-in-law a Marine Sergeant, who is currently serving his second tour of duty in Africa. 

A big thank you to the spouses of those deployed.  It takes strength and commitment to stay strong while their loved ones are a world away. I especially want to commend my daughter for supporting her husband during his deployment.  I am proud of you!

Memories Made in Madison

A week ago my youngest daughter, my sister-in-law, and I  had the opportunity to visit my sister who lives in Madison, Indiana.  She is a veterinarian (graduated from Purdue) and practiced veterinarian medicine in Idaho before moving back to Indiana. Prior to her career as a vet, she was a registered dietitian (and still is).  She lived and worked in Salt lake City, Utah for many years before moving back to Indiana to pursue a degree in veterinarian medicine.  Not only does she have a heart of gold, but she loves her "clients" and treats them as if they are people.  Needless to say that when we get together we have a great time.  This was no exception. We spent the weekend perusing the quaint shops looking at antiques and handmade local items.  Along with the shopping, we dined at a local bistro with delicious cuisine. We ended our trip with a visit to the near-by state park hiking to the falls.  After that, we met up with my sister's best friend from college who lives in Madison with her husband.  We ate at a small tea room nestled inside a small winery.  Along with a winery, the grounds house wonderful gardens and greenhouses with herbs and flowers.  We said our good-byes and started our 3 1/2  hour journey home taking with us wonderful memories made only in Madison.

Isn't her house adorable?

 

 Her 3 cats (one has 3 legs) and her 125 lb. black lab.
Her other dog is camera shy.  Every time my camera came out, she turned her head.  It was too funny!

My sister-in-law, my sister, and Brooke in front
 of the town fountain.

Stepping out of her front yard is like a step back in time. 

 

  

The bridge over the Ohio River to Kentucky.  She drives across it everyday when she goes to work at the vet hospital in Louisville.  They are in the process of building a new one directly beside the old one. 

 

Downtown Madison

Wonderful food at the Greek owned bistro

Homemade hummus of course!

  

An historic mansion just a few steps from her house

  

Spectacular gardens overlooking the Ohio River

This state park is just a few miles down the road

Inside the lodge

  

The falls which the park is named after. Last year they were dry, not so this year. We took a short hike to see the smaller falls and found this beautiful flower on the ground.  

Local haunted house!

My sister (on the right) and her best friend who lives in Madison.  They met in college at Purdue and were roommates while there.  They have remained dear friends and have been there for each other through some pretty tough times.  I'm so glad that my sister has someone like her in her life.

Old barn at the winery

Before we left, we ate at a near-by winery which also has a beautiful greenhouse on the premise.  

  

So cute!

Homemade dill chicken salad, fruit , and an edible pansy grown in their greenhouse.  I was too chicken to try it!

These beauties adorned our table

Until next time...