I took a break from the Sunday Salon last week since it was a holiday weekend and I was busy catching up around the house, tackling housework I’d been ignoring due to traveling and house guests, and getting outside for a bit. Priorities, ya know?
I’m also now a day late, but I wanted to leave yesterday’s remembrance post up by itself. So hard to believe it’s been ten years. Like most of you, I remember exactly where I was on September 11, 2001. I don’t think I’ll ever forget those images I saw on CNN that day and for the many days after…
Our weather has been so lovely. It’s really beginning to feel like fall is not too far off. I’ve noticed more leaves on the sidewalks and the tips of the sumac bushes along the bike trail are beginning to show off their pretty red hues. And the hummingbirds have finally discovered the feeder & hibiscus bushes in the backyard. Maybe it was too hot for them earlier this summer; I’d about given up on them! We’ve had our windows open all week and even wore sweatshirts on our evening walks with Annie-Dog. I just wish this weather would last more than a month or two. I sure hope our winter isn’t as miserable as last year’s…
With all this nice weather, I’ve gotten back in the biking groove. I rode every day last week, starting off with a long ride with a girlfriend on Labor Day. We headed south from my house and rode on the Rock Island Trail (paved) until we reached the Jamaica North Trail (crushed limestone), which quickly turns into the Homestead Trail (crushed limestone). We turned around at the county line for a grand total of 41 miles. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and we had such a good time that we decided to do it again this weekend. We rode with another friend and went took the same route, only we went to the end of the trail for a whopping 44.8 miles. I had hoped to go 50, but we ran out of trail and I wasn’t up to going further once we got back to town. I was worn out!
I haven’t been reading very much, since my afternoons are filled with outdoor activities (and a terrible new addiction known as Pinterest), but when I do settle in for the evening, I’ve been reading The Arrivals by Meg Mitchell Moore. This is a wonderful “domestic/family” novel, which I’m savoring and looking forward to reading every night.
I finished a couple of books since my last Salon post and need to start composing my reviews before too much time passes. Beachcombing for a Shipwrecked God turned out to be wonderful novel and I find I’m still thinking about the three main characters, wishing I could return to their lives (and boat!). I was also very pleased with Jacqueline Winspear’s The Mapping of Love and Death. After a few disappointing installments in her Maisie Dobbs’ series, this one won me back over! So much so, I’ve started in on Among the Mad. Yes, I realize I’m reading these two out of order, but I’m not going to worry too much about that. The books are great entertainment while I’m working in the morning and I know I’m going to miss listening to Orlagh Cassidy when I finish the series. What a marvelous reader!
Links to the books mentioned in this post can be found by clicking on the cover art in my sidebar.
It's still pretty hot here. We're seeing more hummingbirds, though, so I think they're fattening up for their journey south.
ReplyDeleteAck, I know what you mean about Pinterest! It's so fun, but such a time suck!
ReplyDelete40+ miles? Is you crazy? :)
ReplyDeleteI rode around 25 last Sunday and spent the rest of the day on the couch...it'll be awhile before I can do a full 40. Very impressed with you and your friend, Lesley!
By the way, I really notice the difference between crushed limestone and paved paths. It's far easier when they're fully paved for me!
Kathy - It's only in the low 60s today. Chilly enough for a sweatshirt this afternoon! You might be right about the hummingbirds. I hardly saw any until a month or so ago. They must not like the heat or humidity. Or the nectar I buy! ;)
ReplyDeleterhapsodyinbooks - I've had to limit myself to a few minutes every morning, while I enjoy my coffee. The first few days after joining, I spent 2 or 3 hours perusing all sorts of boards. Some are very inspirational, but I really can't spend that much time every day!
Bellezza - Yep! Just shy of 45. And, no. I'm not crazy. Just obsessive. ;)
I've been riding between 10-16 after work and then the big ones on the weekend. I did 40 the weekend before last. We're hoping to hit a perfect 50 this Sunday.
And, yes. I would agree on the limestone vs. paved paths. As soon as we get back on the paved, after a long ride on the limestone, it feels like we're flying!
WHOA!!! Now those are some miles! Good for you! My rear hasn't been conditioned to ride that many. Oh dear - just thinking about it hurts me. LOL
ReplyDeleteJoy - The week after this post, we rode 60! As far as my rear, I have padded shorts that work very well. :)
ReplyDelete