For new runners-you never run alone

When I first started running, I enlisted the help of Nike+ and my IPOD nano. Nike+ gives you weekly running goals to help you successfully train for a 5K, 10K or Marathon. (Beginner or Experienced)

In my ear while I was running, I found on Itunes, FREE podcasts to download. They are called GET FIT POD. It is like having a coach in your ear as you are running.

The interval training podcasts started me off right. Early on, I think I probably memorized #98, The Walk and Jog Workout. I also memorized #96 Brisk Interval Treading Workout.

5K was last years goal for races.
This year, 10K.

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Cammie and Justin sittin' in a tree

June 1, 2004, they started dating
February 14, 2009, Justin proposed
August 7, 2010, they married

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The bluebird of happiness

I saw a bluebird this evening sitting on the shepherds hook where the bird feeders are hung. I have never seen one in the yard before.

BLUEBIRD - denotes spiritual joy and contentedness, foretells happy conditions in one's life.

There is a well known song called BLUEBIRD OF HAPPINESS (utube link)

(verse)
The beggar man and his mighty king are only diff'rent in name,
For they are treated just the same by fate.
Today a smile and tomorrow tears,
We're never sure what's in store,
So learn your lesson before too late, so

(refrain)
Be like I, hold your head up high,
Till you find a bluebird of happiness.
You will find greater peace of mind
Knowing there's a bluebird of happiness.
And when he sings to you,
Though you're deep in blue,
You will see a ray of light creep through,
And so remember this, life is no abyss,
Somewhere there's a bluebird of happiness.

Life is sweet, tender and complete
When you find the bluebird of happiness.
You will find perfect peace of mind
When you find the bluebird of happiness.
Two hearts that beat as one,
'Neath a new found sun,
We are in a world that's just begun,
And you must sing his song, as you go along,
When you find the bluebird of happiness.

I remember watching this movie with my dad when I was a kid.

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Jumping Salmon, TGIF

Originally, I posted the heading Jumping Trout.

The creator (Don) corrected me, Salmon. Kudos to me that  I checked my sources.

The plants he lives in (Curly Willow, Catmint, Irises) are thriving as they get the benefit of a mist sprinkler we have in Rocky's dog run, when Rocky comes to visit.

A picturesque blog for the beginning of a beautiful weekend and the end of a hellish week.

TGIF, and again I say, TGIF.

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First Flowers of the Garden

This week's flowers from the garden.

 Forget-me-nots. Brought these home from the cottage several summers ago.

I am sorry to say, I would have had more blooms, but did not rescue them from the lawnmower.

They have now spread out into the grass.

Lily of the Valley. They grow like a weed at my front door.

One of the first to bloom.

 I think they call these wild geraniums. They smell fresh like a rose.

White Lilac from the bush on the corner of the house. The house smells great!!!

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Orange Sherbet

After golfing this afternoon, we enjoyed chicken, potato salad and orange sherbet.
There is a great recipe, Swimming Pool Orange Sherbet, found in Screen Doors and Sweet Tea (one of my favorite cookbooks). After making it many times, I have adapted it. Here is my version.

Orange Sherbet(Makes 1 1/2 quarts)

2 cups orange juice
1 5.3 oz Greek yogurt with honey
Whisk the yogurt into the orange juice.

2 tbsp lemon juice
dash of salt
Add the lemon juice and salt.

Skim Milk to fill

Turn the ice cream maker on. Pour the thoroughly whisked orange juice, yogurt, lemon juice and salt mixture into the turning ice cream maker. My Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt and Ice Cream maker has a hole in the top for just that purpose.

Add skim milk until the liquid is close to the top but still has some room to freeze and expand. This sherbet is a soft serve dessert.

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