Memorial Day

It's a thunderstormy day here ... I'm sure that is the lingo that meteorologists use right? Just got home from an awesome run, well, it didn't start out too awesome. Matthew wanted to ride his bike with me, and this is a hit or miss kinda deal. He can be great and tag along, or be a pooper and give up quick ... today he was a pooper, so just as soon as we started we turned around to take him home.

I continued my run for a little over 4.5 miles ... the sky was pretty dark, but still kinda warm with a nice breeze ... it was a good run. I love my nike-ipod-thingy ... the sweet little voice that tells me how far I am, what my pace is and so on ... I had a great pace today, faster than normal, I think the weather had something to do with it. I like to run when it's cooler ... I am such a sweat ball and if it is too warm I always end up with a yucky headache ... not today though, I feel great!

Yesterday was a Divine day. The kids were peaches all day long. We went for a 4 mile bike ride, kids in the bike trailer, along the St.Vrain river greenway that goes through town ... we had a great lunch at Noodles, sitting outside in the sunshine then had ice cream too. Cold Stone has really great dairy free sorbet ... mmmmmmmmmmmmm.

We played in the yard most of the afternoon in the pirate pool and I got to mess around in my garden. We ended the day going rafting with the phenomenal Toothaker Family along the Poudre River ... the same area that I did my half marathon. We had an absolutely Divine day.

It is great to have the day off today before Y camp training starts tomorrow. I can hardly believe a week from today and Y Summer Camp will start. Where did all the time go?!?

Today I am going to make Kea's Mandarin Salad and I wanted to post the recipe because it is an amazing salad! The dressing is the best Asian dressing I've ever had ...

4-6 servings

½ cup sliced almonds
3 TBS sugar
½ head iceberg lettuce
½ head romaine lettuce
1 cup chopped celery
2 whole green onions, chopped
1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained

THE BEST Dressing:
½ tsp salt
dash of pepper
dash of Tabasco sauce
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 TBS chopped parsley
2 TBS sugar
2 TBS vinegar

In a small pan over medium heat, cook almonds and sugar, stirring CONSTANTLY until almonds are coated and sugar dissolved. Watch carefully as they will burn easily. Cool and store in an air-tight container. Mix all dressing ingredients and chill. Mix lettuces, celery, and onions. Just before serving, add almonds and oranges. Toss with the dressing.

Well, lots of random thoughts today ... Lord, thank you for the thunderstorms, for the energy You gave me during my run, for the amazing day we had yesterday with dear friends and for a day to relax and enjoy time with my family before Y summer madness begins. Bless all who take the time to read this Lord, my family and friends, continue to surround them all with your love and Grace. Amen.