MS Training Ride

Our local MS Society chapter held the first training ride for the Tampa area today. So J and I joined in since we really do need to start doing longer rides. The ride took place at the Suncoast Parkway trail and the email I received said we had the choice of 40, 45 or 55 miles. When we got there (at 10 to 8 this morning!) it turned out the 40 mile one was changed to 32. Which was ok, we had previously only done 28 miles.

The coordinators said heading out should be pretty good, we were to have a tailwind. But coming back they were anticipating rain. So J and I join the slow riders for the 32 miles and head out. We went 10 (from State Road 54 to State Road 52), took a short break, then headed back 6 miles to Jay Starkey Wilderness Park. Our next rest was at the restrooms in the park, at mile 22 (we did a very short rest just before entering the park). Heading back out of the park it started to rain. It was coming down steady, not really heavy thankfully. However I decided I don't like riding in the rain. I couldn't see, I had to wear sunglasses because of my contacts. And the rain on my bare arms and legs started feeling a little too pricky.

By the time we completed the ride we were soaked through. I took my shoes off in the parking lot because it truly felt like I had a small pond in each toe. Although my shoes gained water weight (they were retaining water, is there a water pill for that?) not all that much water came out. I think it's going to take a few days for them to dry. J carries an older blanket in his truck and we sat on it for the drive home. The blanket was just to keep the dirt that had kicked up onto us off of the seats. When he left my place about 5 hours after getting back, his seats were still very wet.

We enjoyed the ride overall. It was nice riding with a group of people and surprisingly the headwinds were a little easier for me because of the group. I'm very proud to say that the "slow riders" was the only group of the 3 to actually complete their intended milage. The other two groups wimped out because of the gray clouds. We did our 32.something miles in about 2 hours 40 minutes and I honestly felt like I could continue riding for awhile at the end. So bring on the 150 miles!

Oh, and I have to mention the two animals we saw! The first one had the tail of a squirrel, but the face/body of I don't know what! Some of the group members were thinking it looked like a lemur. The second was a white tailed doe as it bounded across the trail just feet in front of the group leaders. I didn't bring my camera, and I'm glad I left it home because of the rain, so I sadly have no pictures. There was no way I could have taken pictures of the deer anyway, it was in too much of a hurry to get away from us :-)

Things to make you go Hmmm!

Well, only one is. But that's coming up. First is two videos that I took a few weeks ago and I am just now getting around to getting them off of my camera card. Again, there is no sound (my birthday is in November if anyone wants to get me a digital camcorder, or at least a camera with sound as part of the camcorder option), but for this it really isn't needed. As can be seen it was laundry day. I was standing in my ki (that would be kitchen if there was more to it), turned around and this is what I saw.

Tampa has an event each year called Gasparilla. The events I'm aware of are the Invasion of Tampa Bay (I'm only aware that it takes place, no idea what it is), the Kids Parade, an all ages parade on a Saturday afternoon, the Knight Parade - the parades resemble Mardi Gras but with pirates - and the running events. The running events involve a 5k and 15k on one day and a half and full marathon the next day. J signed up for the 5k and I was very proud of him when he finished. Especially since my lazy butt was sitting on the bleachers.

Now, the thing that made me go Hmmm. I was heading to my parents today and saw a bumber sticker that caused a random thought. No offense is meant to anyone by this. The bumper sticker said "We Vote for Pro Life." Now, nobody can escape that this is an election year and the war is a very very hot topic. Also, I don't hide the fact I am pro-choice because I don't believe the government should be telling women what to do with their bodies. I also have huge concerns about what would happen to the young girls and women of our country should abortion be made illegal and what steps those women and girls would then decide to take.

That being said, when I saw the bumper sticker it occurred to me that in general those of the leaders who are pro-life are also the very same leaders advocating for a continued stay in the war that has supposedly ended. Which means more men and women going overseas to possibly come home in a wooden box. And if they don't come home in a wooden box, for their safety they may be sending someone else's loved one home in a wooden box. Given the amount of death that has occurred as a result of this war, my random thought was that this doesn't seem very pro-life.

Happy Belated Valentine's Day!

I hope everyone had a good Valentine's Day. I was stuck working that night, so J and I saw each other very briefly. It didn't bother me that I was working since I've never really been all that big on Valentine's Day, J isn't either which is nice. We kept things very low key, got each other a card. He got me a Peanut Butter Twix (since I had been craving one lately) and I got him a smallish Reese's heart and a little picture frame. Nothing major, nothing break the bank expensive. Our anniversary is coming up at the end of this month and that to me is more of a celebration.

It's sometimes hard to believe we've been together two years already. On one hand the time seems to have flown by at the speed of light. On the other hand, because we are so comfortable with each other (in a good way, I promise!) it feels like it's been longer. I still thank my lucky stars everyday for him. And I'm very thankful to L for thinking he'd be a great match for me. So L, thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart :)

I haven't been up to a whole lot of anything exciting. I've been busy crocheting as usual. I three current projects going, one of which is a very pretty doily. I signed up for the doily swap at Crochetville and I might give this to my swap partner. It depends on what s/he requests for colors and shapes. And as usual I will post pictures once I am able to.

I've also been busy sending out letters and making contacts for the auction. I stopped at my local Best Buy yesterday and spoke with the manager on duty. I am very excited to say that from the words he used and the impression I got, I should be able to get something from them to auction off. He asked what I wanted and I told him "I'll be honest, I would love to have a tv or digital camera. It doesn't have to be a high end expensive item either. But, I'll take what I can get." I don't want to be greedy after all ;) I received confirmation regarding another item the other day too. Mom works for the travel company for Great Escapes Vacation Club and they donated a certificate regarding one of their condos in the area. This is good for a week and has a value of up to $1500! I am really thrilled that they were so generous in doing this. I'll get the paperwork tomorrow so I'll be able to see what they are defining as area. As J pointed out since this event is taking place at a bike (motorcycle) fest, if GEVC counts Daytona as an area then this certificate will be a huge hit!

I'm still hustling my butt off to get donations. I've been very excited about the responses I've received and the generosity shown. If any of you knows anyone who would be willing to donate a service or product please let me know or send them to my Silent Auction website. Hugs and Kisses to all! I need to get ready for the day so that J and I can go find me some nice padded bike shorts. I tried on a pair recently to see what size I would need and they felt a little like wearing a diaper. However, if it'll keep my butt nice and cushioned for those 150 miles, I'll take it! Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Sea Snail!

I found Crochetville a few months ago and I love this site! The creativity of everyone is mind blowing! I recently got to test a pattern by one of the designers, KirstieMN and I want to show everyone. Please forgive the lips, they look a little funky. The facial features were left up to the crocheter, and I'm still working on how to make these look good. So here's Lucy the Sea Snail.

Found!

Would whoever lost this junk that sits in the chest please come claim it? I seemed to have found your cold and while I appreciate the sentiment of sharing, I really don't need it. I woke up last Saturday to occasional coughing, the kind that you just know means something is sitting in the chest. It was very occasional, to point I thought it had gone. At least until early afternoon yesterday. The previous coughing was just a teaser. Within the last 8 - 12 hours it has developed and my chest and throat are sore from coughing. So, again, would whoever lost their cold please please come retrieve it! Thanks!