Wow....

I can't believe how long it's been since I've blogged.  So, so many things have been happening, it's hard to find time to sit, let alone write.  But today, I've got some time, and, so, I will write.  :-)

Summer is here and although I love it, it's hot.  And humid.  I head out for a run at 5:30 am and come back dripping all over.  I will never complain again about a chilly winter run where I can't feel my fingers.  Okay, okay, so I still will.  But, it will take awhile for that to happen.  Also, somewhere along the way I've become a biker.  Not just a rail trail when forced biker but an actual roadie.  As hard as it is to imagine myself out there amongst the cars and trucks loving the feeling, I am.  And I do.  It's a nice change from running because it's about endurance, but in an entirely different way.  It's covering more ground, more scenery and enjoying the world in a new way.  As a kid, I loved biking.  Then I had a horrendous crash that left me with a rather large scar on my shoulder - it involved a steep hill, lots of gravel and some late braking - not a pretty sight.  But I hadn't biked on a road since then because I was terrified.  Okay, so I still eek down the hills but I'm out there and I'm overcoming.  Just don't let me see any gravel or the panic attack starts to take over.  Not entirely, but I feel that tightness in my chest and have to will myself to keep pedaling. 

So, I bought a new bike and we've put a few miles on it. I even demo'd a bike and if you knew me at all, you'd know that was a leap.  A giant leap.  I was always terrified of biking in front of people, let alone not on my own know-it-like the back of my hand kind of bike.  I'm still working on overcoming the mountain biking fears but one thing at a time!

I don't know what's come over me this summer but I feel like I can just do anything!  With the hubbys help, I started a garden this year and it's tremendous.  Truly is a wonderful thing to go outside and get fresh veggies to bring in for a meal. Or eat while you're weeding, not that I'd do such a thing....  I'm like a little kid discovering all the new buds and blooms.  I have a cucumber and I check on it every single day.  Once I have more than one I'm sure I won't be quite as attentive but this little one is my main focus!  And the tomatoes, oh my the tomatoes.  They are like a jungle plant.  You can't even see the cages anymore because they have grown soooo huge!  I can't wait for that first hint of color change.  I just love the garden and it's been a great stress reliever for me.  Something to check on and tend to that needs my touch to keep it going.  It's lovely. 

Aside from the garden, I've started a compost bin, done some canning of various jams and jellies, picked strawberries, and just really am enjoying my life.  It's a great life and I'm so glad it's mine.  God has been generous with his blessings on us and for that I am thankful each day.  This year has reminded me that we only get one shot at this life and even when things seem bleak or overcast, the rain is making us grow and giving us a chance to branch out our roots and be able to stand firm and tall when we we'll need that foundation.  Life isn't meant to be just endured or "gotten through" it's meant to be experienced.  So, with a fantastic husband at my side and the best friends anyone could ask for in my life, I'm ready for whatever's next.