Every few years I talk Beer Geek into venturing north to the cold and snow. So, we hopped on a plane last Sunday and headed to the land of beer, cheese, and most of my family. Meanwhile, back in DC, they were hitting record highs. Oh well. Our first day we headed to this funky little train "museum". The owner is a real train engineer and he's set up this extensive layout of trains with moving displays powered by motors from things like microwaves and toasters. His attention to detail was pretty amazing! After our train adventure, we headed for New Glarus Brewery. We hadn't visited the new location yet and it was quite impressive. After we wandered around, we tasted a few beers and bought some to take home with us. (New Glarus … [Read more...]
The winter that would not end
I woke up at 4:45am today. Not because I wanted to, but because the school system texted: Schools closed. There may have been a few curse words uttered in response. I had expected a delay, but it never crossed my mind that they would close. (Turns out, it wasn't a bad call - I saw a dude wipe out on a sidewalk that was in full sun an hour after the kids would have gone with a delay.) Solid ice was still coating everything when I got up two hours later than I normally would. But I have 17 miles to run today. Umm, yeah. … [Read more...]
Five things I love about Madison, Wisconsin
I swear, this has been the longest week. We had snow on Tuesday that the county did not handle well, so the commute into school was awful for everyone. Then on Wednesday they had a delay for ice and on Thursday one for cold. Thankfully I work from home, but it has definitely messed with my week. Perhaps that's why Madison jumped to mind when I heard that the Friday Five topic today was 5 things you like about your favorite city. They at least know how to handle cold and snow LOL. … [Read more...]
What is this “school” thing you speak of?
My kids have been out of school or delayed for more days than I can remember. They were out yesterday and will be again today. My elementary school child is making up time on "early release" days and I think my middle school kid just ran out of days. Too bad they can't all go to school on Monday. Ooh, did I say that out loud? Don't get me wrong. I love my kids. Shoo and I even spent a fair amount of time outside yesterday. It took me 2 hours to shovel our sidewalk and dig out my car, which may not sound like it was that hard, but my sidewalk is not very long. Two hours of lifting heavy wet snow. Pretty sure I got my weight lifting in for the day. At least the snow was beautiful. Wanna know what else I did? I ran 9 miles. No, … [Read more...]
Dress for yourself
It's been an awful winter for many of us. Snow in places that don't usually get snow. And temperatures that haven't been seen in 30 years (and I'll be honest and tell you I wasn't running in the cold when I was 13. Heck, I wasn't running at all.) In fact, we have more snow on the ground (8 inches so far) and no school today, so my workout will either be on the treadmill or just from shoveling snow. But as soon as there is a relatively safe place to run, I'll be out there again, dressed appropriately. There are tons of "guides" out there for how to dress for this weather. Google it. You'll find a whole bunch. But I'm finding I have my own quirks that affect my clothing choices when I'm getting ready to run. It's taken a lot of … [Read more...]
Snow? Day + WIAW
This morning, I woke up to closed schools and this: Apparently, this is what a snow day looks like in Virginia. (Actually, it's snowing now and supposedly going to get worse as the day goes on. We'll see.) Not that it really matters. Both boys are sick, so they'd be home with me anyways. In fact, I have the headache that Jones complained of first, so I imagine I'm next. Fun. And Beer Geek is working from home, so quiet is required and a the basement is off limits for most of the day. I've relaxed the electronics rules and I'm hoping to sneak in a run at some point - outside if the roads appear to stay clear. And now for WIAW. I totally failed this week. It's been kind of hectic and I've felt less than awesome, so I totally … [Read more...]
This is the south, right???
Yesterday's weather forecast for 9am looked just like this: This might be normal for some of you Northern people, but this is the coldest it's been here in 4 years. Seriously, when I got up at 6:30am, my bedroom was 55 degrees! (Naturally, the first thing I did upon waking was make sure the gecko was warm enough. His cage was a balmy 65. Poor little guy!) I was all prepared to turn in my Wisconsin girl card and hit the treadmill, when a friend texted me that she wanted to run outside because she needed the sun. Ok, then. So, I put on: two pairs of running tights, a heavy pair of socks, a tank top, a long sleeve top, a half zip, my running jacket, heavy running gloves, and a hat. What? I don't do cold. Thankfully, it … [Read more...]
Jewish Mother’s Split Pea Soup
This has been one of the more miserable falls that Virginia has had in a while. We seem to be getting rain at least a couple of times a week. A lot of us are beginning to wonder when Virginia got placed just outside the *other* Washington. For most of October, my mood has matched the weather. Adding a layer of stress over what is already my craziest month of the year and then throwing a ton of rain on top of that? Yeah. Depression was rearing its ugly head, only held at bay by a few really awesome runs. It's raining again today, but all is sunny in me. I went for a lovely run in the rain in my new Skirt Sports skirt. (Love! Will review later) Nothing hurt! I got final closure today with my primary physician that everyone … [Read more...]
I’m done.
With this winter, that is. They are calling for more snow tonight and then snow this weekend. Did I somehow move north without noticing? I had a decent 6 miler again today at a 9:43 pace. Nothing spectacular, but I'm ok with the pace given the slippery slushy sidewalks I had to run on.I was apparently channeling my inner beeyotch while running. Things that ran through my head:Hey, fat lady who insisted on blowing smoke in my face as I ran by, give up that nasty thing. Oh and hit the gym while you are at it, 'kay?Lots of curses at the many, many residents and businesses who didn't shovel their sidewalks. Yes, Gold's Gym, I'm looking at you.And thanks so much Mr. UPS driver who not only couldn't wait the few seconds while I went around … [Read more...]
