Rain again

Summer is in full swing here:  swimming in the outdoor pool, running in the woods and getting hot and thirsty, getting soaked in afternoon downpours, eating fresh produce.  

That's about what I've done today--except take a side trip to the car dealership to get our check engine light fixed.  I've basically been driving around with a sticker over the engine light because it hasn't gone off in about 2 years.  Kind of along the lines of my mom's (or maybe mrs. F's?) idea of driving with the radio up really loud so that you don't hear the weird noises from the engine.  We did that with at least Big Red and Big Blue (2 of the "bratmobile" stationwagons).  Anyway, it turns out that the engine light thing in our subaru is due to a recall, not our fault and the "fix" isn't going to cost us anything.  phew.  our last subaru went to its grave with the check engine light on because it couldn't pass ny state inspection.  

We're in for a big drive this weekend.  North.  Canada.  Not for a race though, for a family visit and a birthday celebration.  

Speaking of birthday's--Happy B-day to Jennifer!!  and to Bill!!  We had glazzes of wine tonight in your honor.  

Aunt Bec

Leezie (supermom) texted this last night right as I was getting my stuff ready for today's race:  as they were watching the USA Track Championships, Sam pointed to the tv during the women's 1500m final and said "Aunt Bec".  

Sam isn't even 2 yet AND, unfortunately, I don't live in Hoboken, so I don't even get to see him that much.  He's a loyal and traveling fan though and of course, he is really smart--at least 6 weeks ahead of most kids his age, as grandpop would say.  

In our excitement about becoming aunts for the first time (since we have such good aunt role models!!), Karl and I started repeating to Sam "Aunt Bec" starting when he was about 6 weeks old.  I guess it worked!!

Also, what I think is funny about this is that Leezie was watching track on TV.  Maybe this is because she knows that I recently DVR'd the Tony's and the Kennedy Center Honors and if anything Broadway was on TV, I'd probably watch it.  But, I think after watching 3 triathlons so far this year, she's becoming a sports fan.  

No major wildlife sightings to report today, but I did go looking!  I took a walk to the back of the property (passed that scary doghouse) to check out the stream upstream from our house.  It is actually really pretty back there and there's even another little swimming/ice bath hole.  

Speaking of swimming, did I mention how nice the lake is right now??  We got in at about 2pm yesterday afternoon and it was just perfect.  Cool (but warm enough) water, crystal clear, new buoys, blooming flowers all around, and of course, views of the cliffs with almost every breath.  After the swim, we went for a 5 mile run on the trails.  It was so clear that we could see all the way to our old house (Traphagen) at the highest viewpoint.  It was an easy run, so we stopped for some sightseeing.  

Today we hit up the track for a short/fast track workout and then took a trip over to the County Pool for our first splash there this season.  The place was almost empty so we each had our own lane in the 50m outdoor pool.  It's not the lake, but it sure beats swimming inside on a warm, sunny day!

Next up is an EASY spin around the neighborhood.  

Summer dinners

Thanks to the hard work of the farmers at the Brook Farm Project, I barely have to go grocery shopping anymore.  We can't get enough of the farm fresh, just picked, organic veggies.  Last night we picked up our week's share -- beets (with the greens), rainbow chard, tatsoi, cilantro, radishes, cabbage...and more.  I also got some Acorn Hill Goat cheese made at a local farm.  It doesn't even remotely compare to the store bought variety.  

Terrapin Station?

Check out this huge turtle I found digging holes in the garden--possibly to lay eggs??

In addition to the hole in the picture above, she dug a few others.  I guess she was testing out the soil.  We didn't get too close--didn't want to disturb her or get snapped at!!

Add another one to the "biota" list.  

River

The temporary ferry terminal near Battery Park is being removed. Yesterday the big white tent was still there but this morning I noticed that it is gone. Now there is a dive flag out, so does that mean that people are under water taking things apart?

The river was ripping last night--looked like the sailboats were having tons of fun. No kayaks out there though!!

And speaking of rough waters, check out this picture of SJ in the Roundout.

DC Race

Back in NYC after 4 days in DC. Just got to the computer but I have to share it with SJ so my race report will have to wait.

Homemade Granola Bars

Anyone in the mood for baking? Check out Melissa's latest blog entry:

http://melissalasher.com/

Melissa's a writer, chef, and, of course, a great friend. Runnersworld readers may recognize her name from a few recent food/nutrition articles.

Melissa's description of these granola bars is spot on. If you make them, you will have to give them away...unless you can think of a million reasons to go back - just for one more. The second time I made them, I left them in the oven too long and they got really dark. I thought, oh well, at least they won't be so good that I'll eat them all. Well, turns out, they are even irresistable when they are burned!

This morning I got up at 6:38 and was on the treadmill running by 7. Not such a great idea when fast intervals are involved. After the first interval, I thought I was going to fall off the treadmill, but luckily I warmed up after that. Next time I'll remember to get up earlier or wait until I'm awake to try to run fast.

Next up, taking the bike outside to the city streets to practice transitions and go for an easy ride on the path.

We are heading to DC tomorrow. Anyone in the DC area want to come watch a really exciting race? The race is at 11:45 on Sunday.

There are 41 people on the start list and 9 of them are American.