Winter Winery

We spent our Saturday relaxing at a couple of wineries with my parents.  Although it is now spring the area where the wineries are located is still snow covered.  It was a beautiful day to take a day trip as the roads were clear and the sun was shining at times.  I think the man fishing under the bridge was posing for me.  He looks content but I can't imagine standing in the icy water.  The dogs at the one winery greet everyone at the door.  A nice day to enjoy time with family, good food and wine. - P

Hay Bales in the Winter

I decided I would recreate a previous post where I was inspired by the Stack of Wheat by Monet.  I thought I posted it in the fall.  After taking the photos today I came home and looked at the post. It was from last January. My intent is to take photos of the hay bales during every season.  I am starting with winter again since I like the photos I took today.  Perhaps I notice them more in the winter since the bright colored trees and flowers stand out the rest of the year. Stay tuned for new ones this spring, summer and fall.  As for now, please enjoy a bit of a repeat. - P

It's Still Winter!

I'm sure that is stating the obvious, at least those in Ohio and the surrounding areas. The last couple of days I've been out and about soaking up what is probably (hopefully!?!) the tail end of winter. A day of snowboarding and then a nice nine mile run at the Towpath. My legs are sore and I'm pretty exhausted (in a good way), but if you need me I'll be spending tomorrow inside. -A

A Little Bit of Silly

During a run today, I came across this friendly creature. -A

More Winter Contrast

Although I've been in town all week, we've had quite a contrast in winter here.  Wednesday and Saturday, about 40 degrees difference.  From running in shorts to sled riding in a week.  It was great to open the windows for a day and also to experience the blanket of snow. -A

Winter Contrast

The view I enjoyed a couple of weeks in South Carolina.

The view I am enjoying now in the Midwest.

They are both incredible views and I like them both.  - P

Charleston Marathon and Half Marathon

Last weekend my husband and I ran the Charleston Marathon and Half Marathon in South Carolina.  It was my fifth Half Marathon and his first Marathon.  It was also the first race we didn't run the same distance and also the first race I didn't have any of my other training friends with me.  Because it was a smaller race we were able to run over the start line together.  Right there I knew it was going to be a good race.  The weather was perfect, sunny and in the 40's to start.  I usually run and talk with friends the first few miles of the race while we all get warmed up and set a pace, before we go our separate ways.  Since I was running alone I immediately looked at my watch to set the pace at mile 2.  I felt good and the sights around me were beautiful. I simply got lost enjoying the views and staying upbeat by the enthusiastic spectators.  In my mind I took the race two miles at a time and before I knew it I was at mile 11.  The last two miles took us through  a cute residential neighborhood, waterfront park and then into the high school to finish. There were times the wind got to me but in the end it was a blessing not to overheat. I didn't PR but I did finish within a minute of my last race so just being consistent made me happy.  Once I finished I had to wait for my husband to finish full marathon.  He came in about 1 hour  and 45 minutes later.  Fortunately his pace is faster then mine and is good at estimating his time.  He was within 5 minutes of the time he thought he would finish I was proud he accomplished his first marathon but to finish at his goal time was exceptional.  What a great way to start off the year.  - P