The race

So much preparation goes into cross country race day.  They must eat the right foods, get plenty of water and sleep, stretch and prepare mentally.  Once the race begins they are out there drawing on their reserves and hopefully performing at their best.  It is most disappointing when you are watching and hoping for the best  when you can see that  she is suffering from low blood sugar-again.  What to do?  Nothing but hugs and a congratulations on a job finished, after all she did come in 5th!  Yet knowing she is upset with herself, makes me feel let down too. I know she can do better, but my goal is for her to feel better.

Before the race on Monday.  It was a beautiful sunny day

Rain.

Last night I went to bed full of thoughts and plans for the next day, that involved being outside. This morning I woke while it was still dark. The trees tossing in the wind. I dozed off until a dim light seeped through my window. I gazed out at the day. It was pouring rain. But somehow, even though my plans for the day were inevitably ruined!! I decided it would be one of those great rainy days. And it was.

Mom taught Cate and I school while we sipped green tea. Clyde (my Australian shepherd) and I tramped about through puddles, and I have accomplished a lot more school work then I ever thought possible. 

But the one thing that always makes my day no matter what the weather is, is breakfast. I know that's weird, but I love breakfast! Studies have shown it's the most important meal of the day and that excites me even more. This morning I was craving oatmeal. Having time I decided to amp things up a bit. 

I microwaved a serving of oatmeal, stirred in some cinnamon/stevia and coconut milk and topped it with chopped apples and  homemade cinnamon almond granola.  

 It was heaven. Like eating apple cobbler for breakfast!  

Mom always taught me to make the little things in life exciting!

A rainy day

Well, so much for the sun!  Today it is pouring rain.  I know we need it and I'm glad because my hydrangea bush was looking pretty thirsty.  But yesterday was cloudy and drizzly too, yet  Cate, (daughter number 4) and Nan still ran their cross country race--getting their best time yet!  Rain and cloudy days...  

All of this brings me to Sunday, Nan's 16th birthday.  Guess what?  We awoke to rain.  Sigh.  Our plans for the day were to picnic and hike four miles to the top of Moore's Knob at Hanging Rock State Park.  Then return home to grill out lamb and turkey burgers.  Well Claire's, (daughter number two), husband thought it might clear up and we all voted to go.  Mary (daughter number three) and her fiance, Andrew joined us.  I'm so glad we did.  It was so much fun.

Before the hike.  Our family tradition is that the birthday person gets breakfast in bed.  Nan got GF waffles with raspberries, bacon and a dish of goat yogurt topped with berries.  For a special treat she had real maple syrup!  Yummy!

Nan and Mary enjoying our picnic.  We had rotisserie and fried chicken, cauliflower salad, mashed potatoes, green beans and chips and hummus. 

The hike.

We were in the clouds.

My Yorkie, Gigi, is amazing!  She hiked the entire way.

Back at home, after dinner.  Nan is pleased with her GF blueberry pie, instead of birthday cake. A fun day
of exercise, time with the family, good food and celebrating Nan's life.